What are the VA rating percentages for Shoulder Strain/Impingement?

Shoulder Strain/Impingement (DC 5201) is rated at 20%, 30%, 40% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5201. Arm limited to shoulder level (90 degrees abduction). Same rating for dominant and non-dominant arm at this level.

What rates 20% for Shoulder Strain/Impingement under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5201?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5201 (DC 5201), a 20% rating for Shoulder Strain/Impingement requires: Arm limited to shoulder level (90 degrees abduction). Same rating for dominant and non-dominant arm at this level.

What rates 30% for Shoulder Strain/Impingement under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5201?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5201 (DC 5201), a 30% rating for Shoulder Strain/Impingement requires: Arm limited midway between side and shoulder level (45 degrees abduction) - dominant arm. (20% for non-dominant.)

What rates 40% for Shoulder Strain/Impingement under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5201?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5201 (DC 5201), a 40% rating for Shoulder Strain/Impingement requires: Motion limited to 25 degrees from side - dominant arm. (30% for non-dominant.)

What secondary conditions are linked to Shoulder Strain/Impingement?

Common secondary conditions for Shoulder Strain/Impingement include Cervical Spine Condition, Opposite Shoulder Condition, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Biceps Tendinopathy. Secondary service connection is established under 38 C.F.R. 3.310 when a condition is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability.

What happens during a C&P exam for Shoulder Strain/Impingement?

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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CLAIM RECON INTEL

Shoulder Strain/Impingement

Q: What evidence do I need for a Shoulder Strain/Impingement VA claim?

Key evidence for a Shoulder Strain/Impingement 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 520138 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5201

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

20–40%

3 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Shoulder Strain/Impingement is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5201 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5201 across 3 severity tiers (20% / 30% / 40%). 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. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Cervical Spine Condition or Opposite Shoulder Condition under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.

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

Overview

Shoulder pain with limited range of motion and impingement of tendons during arm elevation and overhead movements

Rating Criteria

20%

Arm limited to shoulder level (90 degrees abduction). Same rating for dominant and non-dominant arm at this level.

30%

Arm limited midway between side and shoulder level (45 degrees abduction) - dominant arm. (20% for non-dominant.)

40%

Motion limited to 25 degrees from side - dominant arm. (30% for non-dominant.)

Key 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

C&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.

Secondary Conditions

Cervical Spine ConditionMODERATE

Shoulder dysfunction affects neck mechanics

Opposite Shoulder ConditionMODERATE

Overcompensation with other arm damages it

Thoracic Outlet SyndromeMODERATE

Altered shoulder mechanics compress neurovascular bundle

Rotator Cuff TendinopathyMODERATE

Shoulder instability leads to tendon damage

Biceps TendinopathyMODERATE

Shoulder dysfunction stresses biceps tendon

Elbow ConditionMODERATE

Compensatory arm use affects elbow

Wrist/Hand ConditionMODERATE

Altered use patterns affect distal joints

Major Depressive DisorderMODERATE

Chronic pain and functional limitations

Right Shoulder ConditionMODERATE

Overuse of uninjured arm causes strain

Cervical Spine ConditionMODERATE

Compensatory posture stresses cervical spine

Thoracic Outlet SyndromeMODERATE

Altered shoulder mechanics compress neurovascular bundle

Left Shoulder ConditionMODERATE

Overuse of uninjured arm causes strain

Cervical Spine ConditionMODERATE

Compensatory posture stresses cervical spine

Thoracic Outlet SyndromeMODERATE

Altered shoulder mechanics compress neurovascular bundle

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

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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