VA Disability Rating for Shoulder Conditions: 2026 Complete Guide

Diagnostic Codes for Shoulder Conditions

• DC 5200 — Ankylosis of the shoulder (frozen shoulder, fused joint)
• DC 5201 — Limitation of arm motion (the most common code for rotator cuff, SLAP, impingement)
• DC 5202 — Other impairment of shoulder/arm
• DC 5203 — Impairment of clavicle or scapula
• DC 5024 — Bursitis (used when primary condition is shoulder bursitis)

Most shoulder claims are rated under DC 5201 because it covers limitation of arm motion — the functional test that actually affects daily life and work. The condition name (rotator cuff tear, SLAP tear, impingement) matters less than the measured range of motion.

VA Shoulder Rating Scale (DC 5201) — 2026

Ratings are based on how high you can raise your arm from your side (abduction). The dominant arm (right for most people) gets 10% higher than the non-dominant arm:

For context: 180° is a fully raised arm overhead. Shoulder level is 90°. Most healthy adults have a range of about 150-180° of abduction.

Ankylosis (DC 5200) — Higher Ratings for Fused Joints

If your shoulder is essentially frozen in place (ankylosis), much higher ratings apply:

• Favorable position: arm at side, or at 60° abduction — 30% non-dominant, 40% dominant
• Intermediate position: arm between favorable and unfavorable — 40% non-dominant, 50% dominant
• Unfavorable position: arm across body or behind back — 50% non-dominant, 60% dominant

How Range of Motion Is Measured

At your C&P exam, the examiner uses a goniometer (a protractor-like device) to measure the angle of motion. There are several types of motion tested:

• Abduction — raising arm out to the side (the primary rating factor)
• Forward flexion — raising arm straight forward
• Internal and external rotation — rotating upper arm
• Painful arc — the range where motion causes pain

Critical tip: Do not try to push through pain during the C&P exam. Move your arm as far as you comfortably can — if pain stops you, stop there. The VA rates functional loss due to pain. If pain prevents full abduction, your range of motion is limited to wherever pain stops you.

Painful Arc and Extra-Schedular Ratings

The VA recognizes that pure range-of-motion measurements can underrate shoulder conditions. Additional rating factors include:

• Painful arc (between 60°–100° of abduction) — documented separately and may support a higher effective rating
• Pain on use — if your shoulder worsens with repetitive use (fatigability), the examiner should record post-exercise measurements
• Instability — recurrent dislocations or subluxations rated under DC 5202

Bilateral Shoulder Conditions and the Bilateral Factor

If you have rated conditions on both shoulders, the VA applies the bilateral factor — a 10% bonus added to the combined value of both shoulder ratings before using the whole-person method. Use our VA disability calculator and check the "bilateral" box for each shoulder to see the combined rating with the bonus automatically applied.

Secondary Conditions from Shoulder Injuries

• Cervical spine (neck) — Shoulder injuries often involve nerve roots from the cervical spine (C5-C6). A secondary cervical radiculopathy claim can add significant ratings.
• Depression/anxiety — Chronic pain and loss of function cause mood disorders. See our depression/anxiety guide.
• Sleep disturbance — Shoulder pain that prevents comfortable sleeping can lead to a sleep apnea or insomnia secondary claim.

Common Questions