Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)

DC 5051Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5051

A surgical procedure where a damaged shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial one. After a total shoulder replacement, the VA grants a temporary 100% rating for one year following surgery, then rates based on residual symptoms.

Rating Levels

You have markedly severe residuals after your shoulder replacement, with significant pain, weakness, or limitation of motion that substantially limits your ability to use the affected arm.

What the VA looks for

Markedly severe residual weakness or pain
Near-total loss of functional use of the arm
Dependence on the other arm for most tasks
Major impact on employment and daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing you automatically receive 100% for one year after surgery — make sure your effective date is set to the date of surgery, and schedule a follow-up C&P exam before the year ends.
⚠Not specifying whether the replacement is in your dominant arm — the dominant arm may receive higher ratings under the analogous limitation of motion codes.
⚠Not documenting ongoing pain, weakness, and limitations after recovery — the difference between a minimum rating and 60% depends on severity of chronic residuals.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — shoulder replacement can cause cervical spine problems, opposite shoulder overuse, and grip weakness.

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…

Rating Levels

You have markedly severe residuals after your shoulder replacement, with significant pain, weakness, or limitation of motion that substantially limits your ability to use the affected arm.

What the VA looks for

Markedly severe residual weakness or pain
Near-total loss of functional use of the arm
Dependence on the other arm for most tasks
Major impact on employment and daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing you automatically receive 100% for one year after surgery — make sure your effective date is set to the date of surgery, and schedule a follow-up C&P exam before the year ends.

⚠Not specifying whether the replacement is in your dominant arm — the dominant arm may receive higher ratings under the analogous limitation of motion codes.

⚠Not documenting ongoing pain, weakness, and limitations after recovery — the difference between a minimum rating and 60% depends on severity of chronic residuals.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — shoulder replacement can cause cervical spine problems, opposite shoulder overuse, and grip weakness.