Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).
The VA rates Shoulder replacement (prosthesis). under Diagnostic Code 5051 across 5 severity levels, from 20% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation. There are 1 documented secondary conditions linked to Shoulder replacement (prosthesis)..
Rating schedule — DC 5051 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 1
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
20%, 30%, 50%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Minimum rating; 30 |
| 30% | Minimum rating; 20 |
| 50% | With chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity; 60 |
| 60% | With chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity; 50 |
| 100% | For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis; 100 |
“With chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity; 60”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).?
View 1 secondary condition linked to Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Shoulder replacement (prosthesis). VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).?
The VA rates Shoulder replacement (prosthesis). under Diagnostic Code 5051 at 20%, 30%, 50%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Minimum rating; 30. The maximum 100% rating requires: For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis; 100.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).?
The VA rates Shoulder replacement (prosthesis). under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5051, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 20% and a 100% rating for Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).?
A 20% rating requires: Minimum rating; 30. A 100% rating requires: For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis; 100. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Shoulder replacement (prosthesis). qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Shoulder replacement (prosthesis). alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).?
The key evidence for Shoulder replacement (prosthesis). is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).?
Shoulder replacement (prosthesis). is associated with 1 documented secondary condition. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5051 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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