A VA rating for shoulders can range from 10% to 50%, and knowing your current rating is critical when you apply for VA benefits or simply filing a VA claim.
However, one of the pressing problems for many veterans is access to disability benefits and education services, rendering the use of professional coaching and consultation services extremely vital to help them pursue and obtain proper knowledge for any VA claim, such as a VA disability rating for a shoulder injury.
At Just4Veterans, we offer professional coaching and consultation services to help you navigate the claims process. If you’re looking to start your journey, you can apply for VA benefits with confidence, armed with knowledge and support.
But first, let us understand the VA rating for shoulder injuries, how specifically they are rated, what documents you may need to strengthen your claim, and what steps you should undertake if you think the rating you received does not reflect your shoulder pains or limitations.
Common Shoulder Conditions
Serving in the military exposes service members to a range of heavy lifting tasks and activities. And amongst the varying muscles that a service member can use when performing these strenuous tasks are their shoulder muscles.
In the long run, these activities can develop into injuries that will affect their life should they decide to pursue a civilian life or be discharged.
And these types of injuries may vary. Some of the most common conditions include:
Rotator Cuff Tears
Repetitive overhead motions often lead to this condition. These are typical for veterans that performed heavy lifting during active service or even during training. Some civilians, such as carpenters and painters, are often observed with this condition.
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that connect your shoulder blade up to your upper arm bone, a muscle primarily used for raising your arm overhead.
- Rotator cuff disability rating can range from 10% (mild) to 40% (severe) disability rating.
Shoulder Impingement
Develops when tendons in the shoulder are pinched or compressed, which can result in inflammation and chronic pain. The VA rating for shoulder impingement is generally rated at 10%, but it also warrants 20% to 30%, depending on how limited your function can be.
Shoulder dislocation, fracture, or instability
Frequent dislocations can make the shoulder feel loose or “give way,” especially during physical activity.
These are the direct result of an injury or a trauma that can eventually lead to long-term or permanent impairment, causing them to lose their functions.
Occasional dislocation with mild instability may be rated at 20%, while frequent dislocations can be rated as high as 30%.
Fractures may institute the same shoulder impairment rating, ranging from 10% up to 30%, depending on their severity.
Arthritis or degenerative joint disease
This condition is often caused by wear and tear over time, which affects flexibility and strength.
Either of these conditions and symptoms may be detrimental to how you conduct your life and impact your ways of establishing meaningful relationships with your kids or friends and completing tasks in your civilian career.
Understanding Service Connection for Shoulder Conditions
To qualify for a shoulder disability rating for injuries, it is important to establish a connection on why your injury is connected to your active duty.
And it can go by proving that your shoulder condition began during the service or was aggravated by it.
Some qualifications include:
- Medical records detailing the injury that occurred while in the performance of active duty
- Records of treatment that you underwent after service
- Functional loss, including work and social impact
- Diagnosis that is tied to the in-service event or condition
What is the Painful Motion Rule?
Despite not having a severe diagnosis, the painful motion under 38 CFR § 4.59 can qualify you for at least the minimum VA compensation rate of 10%. This is to acknowledge the presence of pain, as long as it is justified.
Dominant vs. Non-Dominant Arm
Ratings are also adjusted based on whether the injury affects your dominant arm. If your shoulder condition limits function in your dominant arm (the one you use most), your rating might be higher, since it has a greater impact on your life.
To calculate possible ratings, try this VA disability calculator.
VA Diagnostic Codes and VA Rating Percentages for Shoulder Conditions
The VA rating for shoulder conditions is based on the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), which assigns diagnostic codes depending on the injury type and its severity.
Key diagnostic codes include:
- 5200: Ankylosis of the scapulohumeral articulation
- 5201: Limitation of motion of the arm
- 5202: Impairment of the humerus
- 5203: Impairment of the clavicle or scapula
Each diagnostic code has different percentage levels, typically 10%, 20%, 30%, and occasionally higher, depending on range of motion and impairment severity.
Documentation That Strengthens Your Claim
Achieving a fair VA rating for your shoulder injuries warrants the same process as with other VA claims. You need accurate medical documents that will explain how your shoulder injuries are connected to your service and how they impact your daily life.
The following documents will help strengthen your claim.
Nexus Letter
A nexus letter is a formal letter written by a physician that confirms how your injury can be connected to your active service. Since it is written by a qualified and credible medical professional, this can give your claim with added credibility.
Range of Motion Test Results
Remember to also prepare for your range of motion test.
The VA Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) test is conducted during the Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. This allows the VA to evaluate the level of severity of your shoulder injuries.
This test gauges how far you can move your shoulder joint, including the direction in which you can move it.
X-rays or MRIs
Imaging reports provide visual proof of damage or degeneration.
Lay statements
These letters, known as buddy statements, come from your friends, family, or coworkers—essentially people close to you—and they explain or confirm how your injuries are affecting your daily life.
Appealing and Increasing Your Rating
If you received a VA disability rating for your shoulder pain and feel that it is not right, then you have the right to appeal.
But if you are unsure of the process, then let our disability benefits education services help you.
Feel free to book a free strategy call and contact our experienced veteran coaches directly. You may also visit our VA claims consultancy page for more information.