What are the VA rating percentages for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)?

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) (DC 5200) is rated at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200. Arm limited to shoulder level (90°) under DC 5201.

What rates 20% for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200 (DC 5200), a 20% rating for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) requires: Arm limited to shoulder level (90°) under DC 5201.

What rates 30% for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200 (DC 5200), a 30% rating for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) requires: Favorable ankylosis of scapulohumeral articulation - major arm. Abduction to 60°, can reach mouth and head.

What rates 40% for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200 (DC 5200), a 40% rating for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) requires: Intermediate ankylosis between favorable and unfavorable - major arm.

What rates 50% for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200 (DC 5200), a 50% rating for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of scapulohumeral articulation - major arm. Abduction limited to 25°.

What happens during a C&P exam for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Q: What evidence do I need for a Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 520038 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5200

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

20–50%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5200 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5200 across 4 severity tiers (20% / 30% / 40% / 50%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint capsule with severely limited range of motion in all planes (frozen shoulder)

Rating Criteria

20%

Arm limited to shoulder level (90°) under DC 5201.

30%

Favorable ankylosis of scapulohumeral articulation - major arm. Abduction to 60°, can reach mouth and head.

40%

Intermediate ankylosis between favorable and unfavorable - major arm.

50%

Unfavorable ankylosis of scapulohumeral articulation - major arm. Abduction limited to 25°.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

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Tools

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Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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