EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Shoulder Strain/Impingement
DC 5201 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5201 |
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.
OVERVIEW
Shoulder pain with limited range of motion and impingement of tendons during arm elevation and overhead movements
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
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 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
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (14 MAPPED)
DC
Shoulder dysfunction affects neck mechanics
DC
Overcompensation with other arm damages it
DC
Altered shoulder mechanics compress neurovascular bundle
DC
Shoulder instability leads to tendon damage
DC
Shoulder dysfunction stresses biceps tendon
DC
Compensatory arm use affects elbow
DC
Altered use patterns affect distal joints
DC
Chronic pain and functional limitations
DC
Overuse of uninjured arm causes strain
DC
Compensatory posture stresses cervical spine
DC
Altered shoulder mechanics compress neurovascular bundle
DC
Overuse of uninjured arm causes strain
DC
Compensatory posture stresses cervical spine
DC
Altered shoulder mechanics compress neurovascular bundle
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.
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.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026