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Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) VA Disability Rating
DC 5200-5201 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2
OVERVIEW
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) causes progressive stiffness and pain with severe ROM limitation. Rated under DC 5200 (ankylosis of scapulohumeral articulation) if the shoulder is functionally frozen, or DC 5201 (arm limitation of motion). Common in veterans after shoulder injuries, surgery, or prolonged immobilization. The dominant arm receives higher ratings.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
40% — Forward flexion to 25° or less (major arm)
Limitation of arm motion: forward flexion to 25 degrees or less = 40% major, 30% minor (DC 5201). Rate under DC 5200 (shoulder, ankylosis) or DC 5201 (arm, limitation of motion).
30% — Forward flexion 25-45° major; or ankylosis in favorable position
Forward flexion between 25-45 degrees (major arm: 30%, minor: 20%); OR ankylosis of the shoulder in favorable position for use of the extremity.
20% — Forward flexion 45-90° major; or moderate limitation
Forward flexion between 45-90 degrees in major arm (20%); or between 25-45 degrees in minor arm. Rate under DC 5201 based on measured ROM.
10% — Forward flexion 90-140°; mild limitation with pain
Mild limitation with forward flexion between 90-140 degrees in major arm; or X-ray evidence and pain on motion but non-compensable ROM — 10% under DC 5003 rule.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-ROM measurements showing severe limitation in all planes (flexion, abduction, rotation)
-MRI showing capsular thickening or adhesions
-Treatment records for physical therapy, manipulation under anesthesia, or arthroscopic capsular release
-Documentation of which arm is dominant
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 5237-5243
Compensatory neck posture changes from frozen shoulder.
DC 5200-5203
Overuse of unaffected arm compensating.
DC 9434/9413
Chronic pain and loss of function.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.Frozen shoulder often has the most severe ROM limitation of any shoulder condition. Do NOT stretch before the exam.
2.If your shoulder is functionally fused (cannot move in any direction), push for ankylosis rating under DC 5200 which rates higher than DC 5201.
3.Dominant arm gets higher ratings. Confirm dominance at the start of the exam.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, DCs 5200-5201; Sharp v. Shulkin, 29 Vet. App. 26 (2017); DeLuca v. Brown, 8 Vet. App. 202 (1995)
Frozen shoulder rates under DC 5200 (ankylosis) or DC 5201 (limitation of motion of the arm) based on forward flexion measurements. Major = dominant arm. Sharp requires examiner to estimate ROM during flare-ups. DeLuca requires consideration of functional loss due to pain.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Dominant frozen shoulder at 30-40% pays $552-$795/mo. With surgical scars, cervical spine secondary, and opposite shoulder, combined ratings can reach 60%+.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026