Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

DC 5201Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5201

Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint where the capsule thickens and tightens, severely restricting motion. The VA rates adhesive capsulitis based on limitation of arm motion, with higher ratings for the dominant arm.

Rating Levels

Your arm motion is limited to 25 degrees from your side. You can barely raise your arm and have extreme difficulty with almost all activities requiring shoulder use. This is the maximum rating under DC 5201 for the dominant arm; the non-dominant arm is rated at 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Shoulder abduction or flexion limited to approximately 25 degrees
Near-complete loss of shoulder function documented
Documentation of which arm is dominant
Inability to perform most activities of daily living
MRI or clinical findings confirming severe capsular thickening

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting which arm is your dominant arm — the dominant (major) arm receives a higher rating at the 30% and 40% levels.
⚠Not getting range of motion measured during a flare-up — frozen shoulder often has variable symptoms, and a good day measurement underrepresents the disability.
⚠Not distinguishing adhesive capsulitis from a rotator cuff tear — they have different treatment paths and may warrant separate ratings.
⚠The condition may resolve over time — make sure to document persistent limitation, not just a single episode.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Shoulder and Arm Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…