VA Disability Ratings for Shoulder and Arm Injuries

The men and women who serve in the United States military often suffer injuries during active duty, even in non-combat situations. One common injury is to the shoulder and/or arm. According to a 2018 article in Military Medicine, shoulder injuries account for up to “24% of musculoskeletal injuries in the military population, and service members are at a 5-18 times greater risk of shoulder instability compared to the general public.” Veterans who return home with shoulder injuries may need and qualify for disability benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

• Training exercises that require maximum shoulder motion such as press squats, pull-ups, and push-presses. A military training program may also require a 10-pound ball power throw and a spring-drag-carry workout using kettlebells and sleds.
• Lifting and moving heavy military supplies
• Carrying heavy equipment
• Experiencing a blow or forceful impact during combat

Because veteran shoulder injuries are common and often cause long-term disabilities, the VA receives many claims for compensation. Generally, the VA rates arm and shoulder conditions on loss of function, and range of motion factors heavily in the determination of the benefits the veteran will receive. The VA wants to understand how the injury impacts the veteran’s day-to-day routine and disrupts and interferes with their daily life.

The VA rates shoulder and arm conditions under 38 CFR § 4.71a - Schedule of Ratings - Musculoskeletal System and § 4.73, Schedule of Ratings - Muscle Injuries. There are ratings for many shoulder/arm conditions, including:

• Shoulder replacement. If you need to have your shoulder replaced, you will likely receive 100% disability for one year after your surgery. After you’ve healed, the VA will give you a permanent disability rating based on your level of function. This rating could be 30% - 60%.
• Shoulder dislocation. Once you’ve suffered a shoulder dislocation, it’s possible that you’ll be prone to dislocating it repeatedly. If you experience frequent dislocations, you may receive a rating of 30% for the dominant arm and 20% for your non-dominant arm. If your dislocation occurs infrequently, your disability will be rated at 20%.
• Loss of shoulder use or amputation. If it’s necessary for your entire arm and shoulder to be amputated, the VA will give you a 90% disability rating. If the amputation is to the deltoid, the VA will give you 80%. If the amputation is below the deltoid, you’ll receive 70%.
• Frozen shoulder. Even if you did not lose your shoulder and/or arm, it’s still possible you can’t use them. Your disability rating will depend on how well you can move them. For example, if you can’t move your arm 25 degrees away from your side, the VA may give you a disability rating of 50%. Ratings are determined by how severe the limitation is for that arm.