What a shoulder C&P exam measures and how to describe your shoulder accurately
· Claim Situation
The situation
A shoulder rating is driven mostly by how high you can raise the arm and what happens with pain, repetition and flare-ups. Knowing what gets measured helps you describe your real limits without exaggerating or minimizing.
What drives the rating
Limitation of motion of the arm is rated under diagnostic code 5201 by how far the arm rises (flexion and abduction) relative to shoulder level and the side. Other codes cover instability, dislocation and the collarbone. The schedule is at 38 CFR 4.71a. The dominant arm rates higher than the minor arm.
Pain and function count
VA must consider pain, weakness, fatigability and incoordination (38 CFR 4.40, 38 CFR 4.45) and painful motion (38 CFR 4.59). Examiners should test active and passive motion, weight-bearing and not, and the opposite joint when possible.
Flare-ups and repeated use
- Tell the examiner how often flare-ups happen, how long they last, and what you can't do during them.
- Describe what happens after repeated reaching or lifting.
- If the exam day is a good day, say so and describe a bad day.
Prepare before the exam
- Keep a short flare-up log for a few weeks.
- Bring a list of tasks you avoid: overhead shelves, sleeping on the side, dressing, driving.
- Stop at the point pain starts and tell the examiner. Don't push through to "look good."
After the exam
You can request the exam report (DBQ). If key items were skipped, such as flare-ups or passive motion, raise it with your VSO. See the flare-up log.
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Educational only, not legal or medical advice. We are not VA-accredited. No one can promise an outcome; VA decides each claim on its own evidence. Rules and rates change; check the linked VA and eCFR sources.