How the VA Rates Shoulder Conditions
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200-5203 criteria a VA rater evaluates Shoulder Conditions against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200-5203
Shoulder Conditions · 4 levels
- 50%$1,132.90a month
- 40%$795.84a month
- 30%$552.47a month
- 20%$356.66a month
2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.
Key facts
- Regulation
- 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200-5203
- Diagnostic codes
- 5200, 5201, 5202, 5203
- Levels in the schedule
- 20% · 30% · 40% · 50%
- Top level (50%) pays
- $1,132.90/month2026, veteran alone
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200-5203 for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
- 50%
$1,132.90/month
DC 5200: Unfavorable ankylosis of the scapulohumeral articulation, abduction limited to 25° from side — 50% major (dominant arm only; 40% minor). There is no 50% level for the minor arm under DC 5200 or 5201.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Shoulder joint fused (scapula and humerus move as one piece) with the arm held near the side
- Cannot use arm functionally for most activities
- 40%
$795.84/month
DC 5201: Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25° from side — 40% major. OR DC 5200: Intermediate ankylosis (between favorable and unfavorable) — 40% major. OR DC 5200: Unfavorable ankylosis (abduction limited to 25° from side) — 40% minor.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Can barely raise the arm from the side (25° or less)
- Cannot perform any overhead work
- 30%
$552.47/month
DC 5201: Flexion and/or abduction limited midway between side and shoulder level (45°) — 30% major. OR DC 5201: Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25° from side — 30% minor. OR DC 5200: Favorable ankylosis (abduction to 60°, can reach mouth and head) — 30% major. OR DC 5200: Intermediate ankylosis — 30% minor.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Cannot raise the arm past about halfway to shoulder height
- Cannot reach shelves or overhead
- 20%
$356.66/month
DC 5201: Flexion and/or abduction limited to 90° (arm at shoulder level) — 20% major (dominant) / 20% minor (non-dominant). OR DC 5201: Flexion and/or abduction limited midway between side and shoulder level (45°) — 20% on the MINOR arm. OR DC 5200: Favorable ankylosis (abduction to 60°, can reach mouth and head) — 20% on the MINOR arm.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Cannot raise arm above shoulder height
- Pain with overhead activities
- Difficulty dressing, grooming, lifting overhead
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
The evidence that matters most
Range of motion measurements from treating provider, plus which arm is dominant — the major (dominant) arm rates higher at the 45° and 25° levels
C&P exam tips for Shoulder Conditions
- 1Range of motion is measured in flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation — know your normal ranges.
- 2Specify dominant vs. non-dominant arm — the rating is higher for the dominant arm.
- 3Mention weakness, drop-arm sign, or failed impingement tests if documented.
- 4If post-surgical, bring surgical reports and PT notes documenting residuals.
- 5Describe functional loss: cannot raise arm to wash hair, reach a shelf, or carry a bag.
Common mistakes on Shoulder Conditions claims
- Not specifying which arm is dominant — this directly affects the rating percentage.
- Not documenting strength testing results (0–5 scale).
- Failing to claim shoulder separately from associated cervical spine radiculopathy.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Shoulder Conditions?
Shoulder Conditions is rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200-5203 — diagnostic codes 5200, 5201, 5202, 5203.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Shoulder Conditions?
50% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Shoulder Conditions. The criteria at that level describe: DC 5200: Unfavorable ankylosis of the scapulohumeral articulation, abduction limited to 25° from side — 50% major (dominant arm only; 40% minor). There is no 50% level for the minor arm under DC 5200 or 5201.
How much does a 50% VA rating for Shoulder Conditions pay in 2026?
$1,132.90 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Build your Shoulder Conditions claim documentation
Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.
Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.