Shoulder conditions are extremely common VA claims — rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, and impingement affect thousands of veterans from physical training and heavy lifting. Here's exactly how the VA rates these in 2026.
The VA rates shoulder conditions primarily on range of motion. Most ratings fall between 10–40%. The dominant arm gets a slightly higher rating than the non-dominant arm. Use our pay calculator to see your monthly payment.
How the VA Rates Shoulder Conditions (DC 5201)
| Range of Motion Limitation | Dominant Arm | Non-Dominant Arm | Monthly Pay (Alone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motion limited to 25° from side | 40% | 30% | $673.28 |
| Motion limited to 45° from side | 30% | 20% | $524.31 |
| Motion limited to 90° (shoulder level) | 20% | 20% | $346.95 |
| Motion limited between 90° and 180° | 10% | 10% | $175.51 |
Pain on Motion — What Many Veterans Miss
Under DeLuca v. Brown, the VA must account for functional loss due to pain during motion. If your shoulder hurts during range of motion testing, the examiner must note it. This can result in a higher effective rating even when your raw degrees of motion would otherwise suggest a lower one. Always tell your examiner about pain during movement.
Secondary Conditions
- Cervical radiculopathy — Shoulder injuries often involve nerve compression from the neck. See our cervical spine guide.
- Depression/anxiety from chronic pain — Rates separately. See our mental health guide.
- Sleep disturbance — Shoulder pain disrupting sleep supports additional claims.
Calculate Your Combined Rating
Add shoulder to your other conditions and see your total monthly pay.
Combined Rating Calculator →