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.

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CLAIM RECON INTEL

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 520138 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5201

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

20–40%

3 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

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.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

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

Rating Criteria

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).

03Key Evidence

—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

04C&P Exam Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

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.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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