What are the VA rating percentages for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (DC 5201) is rated at 20%, 30%, 40% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5201. Arm motion limited at shoulder level (90 degrees). Same for dominant/non-dominant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

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Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

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

Key evidence for a Shoulder Impingement Syndrome 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 5201 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5201 | 

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome 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.

OVERVIEW

Compression of rotator cuff tendons and subacromial bursa during overhead arm movements, causing pain and progressive weakness

RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)

20%

Arm motion limited at shoulder level (90 degrees). Same for dominant/non-dominant.

30%

Arm motion limited midway between side and shoulder level - dominant (20% non-dominant).

40%

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

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-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 (6)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.
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