Shoulder Conditions
Diagnostic Codes 5201–5203 • 38 CFR § 4.71a
Ratings usually hinge on abduction / forward elevation, painful motion, ankylosis, or recurrent instability—dominance changes the percentage for the same motion.
DC range
5201–03
Shoulder Ratings & 2026 Compensation (veteran alone)
Motion-based ratings under DC 5201 compare your abduction (arm raised to the side) to regulatory benchmarks. Dominant arm typically receives the higher evaluation for the same limitation.
Arm limited to ~25° from side (severe tier)
$552.47–755/mo
Midway to shoulder level / shoulder level (dominance affects band)
$356.66–524/mo
Painful motion or higher-tier mild limitation
$180.42/mo
Impairment / clavicle-scapula (when those codes apply)
varies
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes for shoulder conditions
Three Compensation Scenarios
Dominant shoulder 20% + tinnitus 10%
20% and 10% combine to 28, which converts to 30% → $552.47/mo for a veteran alone (rates effective December 1, 2025; checked October 7, 2026).
Bilateral shoulders
Example: 20% right + 20% left, each compensable, with the bilateral factor and no other ratings.
Final combined
40%
Veteran alone
$795.84/mo
20 and 20 combine to 36; 10 percent of 36 is 3.6; 39.6 converts to 40% ($795.84/mo for a veteran alone). A 40% rating with a spouse and no children is $882.84. Rates effective December 1, 2025; checked October 7, 2026. Section 4.26(d) can leave one shoulder out if that pays more.
Shoulder + cervical strain + radiculopathy
20% shoulder + 30% neck + 20% radiculopathy often combines into the 60%+ range—illustrative only; run your exact percentages through the calculator.
Evidence Requirements
Measured abduction & flexion
Goniometer—not eyeball estimates. Repeated use if pain worsens.
Functional loss (DeLuca)
Fatigue, weakness, flare-ups after overhead work or ADLs.
MRI / surgical history
Rotator cuff, labrum, SLAP, prior stabilization surgery.
Dominance statement
Ensure the record clearly states dominant hand for ROM tables.
Lay statements
Dressing, reaching shelves, sleep positions, job limits.
Common Secondary Conditions
🔄 Opposite shoulder
Commonly discussed5201 • Overuse compensation
💪 Elbow / wrist strain
Commonly discussed5206 • Altered mechanics
🫳 Cervical strain
Commonly discussed5237 • Guarding and posture
⚡ Radiculopathy (UE)
Sometimes discussed8510 • Nerve irritation patterns
🧠 Depression
Sometimes discussed9434 • Chronic pain / job loss
🤕 Migraines
Sometimes discussed8100 • Cervicogenic headaches
Filing Timeline
Records
Imaging, PT, surgeon notes, steroid injections
File claim
List dominant side; claim instability separately if applicable
C&P
Stress that overhead tasks reproduce symptoms
Decision
Verify dominance & ROM tier
Appeal / increase
Add neck, elbow, mental health if warranted
What Gets You Higher Ratings
10% → 20%+
Show abduction limited toward or at shoulder level (90°) or below per schedule—not “it hurts” without measurements.
Instability / 5202
Document recurrent subluxation/dislocation or separate humeral impairment criteria when applicable.
Bilateral
Both shoulders SC increases combined value with bilateral factor.
Common Mistakes
Wrong dominance
Downgrades the percentage for the same ROM.
No overhead functional examples
Helps explain real-world impairment beyond a single ROM snap.
Single quick ROM test
Misses DeLuca fatigue / flare-up pattern.
Assuming MRI = rating %
Schedule still ties to motion or other criteria in the regulation.
FAQs
▸ Forward flexion vs abduction—which matters?
Your exam should address the planes of motion in the schedule for your diagnostic code. Many shoulder claims focus on limitation of motion including abduction—follow your C&P sheet and § 4.71a wording.
▸ Can I get separate ratings for shoulder and neck?
Yes, when each is distinctively documented—cervical spine uses different criteria than shoulder DCs.
▸ Is surgery required for 30–40%?
No—rating is based on evidence meeting the schedule (motion, ankylosis, or other listed criteria). Surgery records can help but are not the only path.
DC Reference & Tools
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.