Shoulder and Arm Conditions

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960M-12 (Shoulder and Arm Conditions DBQ) after examining you. This walkthrough helps you prepare them. The DBQ is a standardized questionnaire; your doctor's answers directly determine your VA rating. Brief them on these specific points before the exam so nothing important is missed or underdocumented.

Common mistakes

• ×Asking your doctor to just "fill out the VA form" without briefing them - an uninformed completion is often generic and leads to lower ratings.
• ×Bringing the DBQ to a provider who has never seen you before - your treating physician who knows your history will write the most credible documentation.
• ×Going to the exam and waiting for the doctor to ask questions - come prepared with specific examples of your worst days and functional limitations.

These are the key clinical questions from the Shoulder and Arm Conditions DBQ. Help your doctor understand what each question is asking and give them concrete examples for your situation. Print this section and bring it to the appointment. 1. What is the range of motion for flexion and abduction? WHY IT MATTERS: Shoulder ROM, especially arm elevation (flexion/abduction), directly determines the rating percentage TIPS: Stop at the point of pain; Normal flexion and abduction are both 180 degrees; Key thresholds are at shoulder level (90 degrees), midway (45 degrees), and 25 degrees from side 2. Is this the dominant or non-dominant arm? WHY IT MATTERS: The dominant arm (major) receives higher rating percentages at every level TIPS: Clearly state which is your dominant hand at the start of the exam 3. Are there signs of impingement or instability/dislocation? WHY IT MATTERS: Impingement and recurrent dislocation/instability can be rated under separate diagnostic codes TIPS: Report any history of dislocations, subluxations, or shoulder popping out; Describe any catching or impingement symptoms 4. Is there additional functional loss after repetitive use or during flare-ups? WHY IT MATTERS: Post-repetitive-use pain and flare-ups can support a higher effective rating TIPS: Describe what happens after repeated overhead reaching or lifting; Estimate ROM loss during flare-ups

Common mistakes

• ×Pushing through pain to demonstrate full range of motion
• ×Not reporting the dominant arm correctly
• ×Failing to mention recurrent dislocations or subluxation episodes

VA raters use the Shoulder and Arm Conditions DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Limitation of arm motion (flexion/abduction) relative to key thresholds: shoulder level, midway, 25 degrees from side 2. Whether the dominant or non-dominant arm is affected 3. Recurrent dislocation or subluxation (DC 5202) 4. Presence of ankylosis (DC 5200) 5. Additional functional loss from pain, flare-ups, and repetitive use 6. Impingement or crepitus affecting function For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Not describing flare-ups and their impact on shoulder function
• ×Testing on a good day - try to schedule during typical or worse-than-average symptoms

Authority

• 38 CFR 4.1 - Functional impairment as the basis for rating.

Preparation checklist for the Shoulder and Arm Conditions DBQ exam: 1. Confirm your dominant hand with the examiner at the start 2. Do not take pain medication before the exam if safely possible 3. Document flare-up frequency, triggers, and estimated ROM loss during flare-ups 4. Bring MRI or imaging reports showing rotator cuff or labral pathology 5. Describe specific functional limitations: reaching overhead, lifting, carrying, dressing Remember: Describe your WORST days, not your average days. VA raters evaluate the full range of your disability including its worst manifestations.

Common mistakes

• ×Describing your best days or average functioning instead of your worst - VA rates the full range of disability.
• ×Minimizing symptoms out of stoicism or pride - accurate documentation is not exaggeration; it is honesty.
• ×Not mentioning secondary symptoms, side effects, or additional conditions the doctor may not ask about.