VA Disability Rating for Shoulder Replacement (Prosthetic)
Diagnostic Code 5051 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
A shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. This surgery is performed when shoulder arthritis, fractures, or other conditions cause severe pain and loss of function that cannot be managed with conservative treatment. VA provides a 100 percent rating for one year following implantation, then rates the chronic residuals based on how well the replacement functions. DC 5051 prints two rating columns, major and minor, so each residual figure depends on which arm is dominant: 38 CFR 4.69 determines handedness from the evidence of record or by testing on VA examination, and only one hand is dominant. Intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion are rated by analogy to DC 5200 and DC 5203. Veterans may need shoulder replacement due to injuries sustained during service, degenerative changes from years of heavy use, or progression of a service-connected shoulder condition.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Prosthetic replacement of the shoulder joint, for one year following implantation. The schedule prints 100 in both the major and minor columns, so this row is the same for either arm. |
| 60% | Chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity — dominant (major) arm. |
| 50% | Chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity — non-dominant (minor) arm. |
| 30% | Minimum rating — dominant (major) arm. |
| 20% | Minimum rating — non-dominant (minor) arm. |
Evidence Needed
- Surgical records documenting the shoulder replacement procedure
- Evidence connecting the shoulder condition requiring replacement to military service
- Post-surgical range of motion measurements
- Documentation of chronic pain and functional limitations after the replacement
- Records indicating which shoulder is on the dominant side
C&P Exam Tips
- Make sure the examiner documents which arm is your dominant arm
- Demonstrate your range of motion limitations after surgery
- Describe any persistent pain, especially with overhead activities
- Mention if you have weakness in the replaced shoulder
- Explain activities you still cannot perform despite the surgery
How to File
File under DC 5051 for shoulder replacement. You will receive a 100 percent rating for one year, and under Note (4) to the prosthetic implants table that year commences after the initial grant of the one-month total rating assigned under 38 CFR 4.30 following hospital discharge. Before it ends, VA will schedule a re-evaluation to assess your chronic residuals. The minimum rating after the one-year period is 30 percent for the dominant (major) arm and 20 percent for the non-dominant (minor) arm. Make sure your dominance is documented.
Common Mistakes
Not filing promptly after surgery to start the one-year 100 percent rating Not documenting which arm is dominant before the re-evaluation Failing to describe ongoing limitations and pain during the follow-up exam Not realizing the minimum post-surgical rating is 30 percent for the dominant arm and 20 percent for the non-dominant arm
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I get 100 percent after shoulder replacement?
VA assigns a 100 percent rating for one year following implantation, and under Note (4) that year commences after the initial grant of the one-month total rating assigned under 38 CFR 4.30 following hospital discharge. After it ends, your rating will be based on your chronic residuals. The minimum chronic residual rating is 30 percent for the dominant (major) arm and 20 percent for the non-dominant (minor) arm.
What if I need a revision surgery?
If your shoulder replacement fails and requires revision surgery, you should file for a temporary 100 percent rating for the revision procedure. A revision begins a new one-year period, but Note (2) evaluates a revision in the same manner as the original procedure only if all the original components are replaced.