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% + 10% → ~28–30% → $552.47/mo (2026 approx.).
Bilateral shoulders
Example: 20% right + 20% left with bilateral factor.
Approx. combined
~40%
Monthly
~$795.84–855
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
STRONG5201 • Overuse compensation
💪 Elbow / wrist strain
STRONG5206 • Altered mechanics
🫳 Cervical strain
STRONG5237 • Guarding and posture
⚡ Radiculopathy (UE)
MODERATE8510 • Nerve irritation patterns
🧠 Depression
MODERATE9434 • Chronic pain / job loss
🤕 Migraines
MODERATE8100 • 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 only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.
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