Filing a VA disability claim for shoulder pain is an important step toward receiving compensation for injuries or conditions connected to your military service. For most veterans, the next critical phase is the in-person Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, where a shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) test plays a central role.
The results of this test often determine whether your VA rating is 10%, 20%, 30%, or much higher. Knowing what movements are tested, how pain is evaluated, and how the VA applies rating criteria can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your claim.
Introduction to the VA Shoulder Range of Motion Test
The VA Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) test is performed during a C&P exam to measure how much you can move your shoulder joint in different directions. The test is conducted by a VA examiner or contracted provider and is used by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assess functional loss.
Examiners typically use a goniometer, a medical instrument that measures joint movement in degrees, to ensure accuracy and consistency.
“Range of motion testing is one of the most objective tools the VA uses to rate musculoskeletal conditions,” explains a VA-accredited medical examiner.
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Why the VA Shoulder ROM Test Is So Important?
The VA bases musculoskeletal ratings largely on functional impairment not just diagnoses. Even if imaging shows damage, your rating is driven by how much your shoulder movement is limited by pain, stiffness, weakness, or fatigue.
If the ROM test shows limited motion or pain during movement, your rating may increase. If motion appears near normal, ratings are often lower, even when pain exists.
“Painful motion alone can qualify a veteran for compensation, even if movement isn’t severely restricted,” notes a veterans disability attorney.
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How the VA Measures Shoulder Range of Motion?
The examiner measures your shoulder’s movement in several standard directions. Each movement corresponds to normal ranges established by VA regulation.
VA Shoulder ROM Measurements
| Movement | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Flexion | 0–180° |
| Extension | 0–50° |
| Abduction | 0–180° |
| Internal Rotation | 0–90° |
| External Rotation | 0–90° |
Each movement is measured carefully, with attention to where pain begins, not just how far the arm moves.
What to Expect During the VA Shoulder ROM Test?
During your C&P exam, the examiner will guide you through each shoulder movement while measuring angles with a goniometer.
Key Parts of the Exam
- You’ll be asked to move your arm actively
- The examiner records the maximum movement
- Pain onset is documented
- Repetitive-use testing may be performed
- Functional loss due to fatigue or weakness is noted
Pro Tip: If a movement causes pain, stop immediately and tell the examiner. Never force a movement.
Painful Motion and Repetitive Use Testing
VA regulations require examiners to consider:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Lack of endurance
If repeated movement causes increased pain or reduced motion, that loss must be documented. This can significantly affect your rating.
“Repetitive-use testing often reveals limitations that aren’t obvious at first,” says a former C&P examiner.
How VA Rates Shoulder and Arm Conditions?
Shoulder conditions are rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Codes (DCs) 5200–5203. Ratings differ based on whether the condition affects your major (dominant) or minor (non-dominant) arm.
VA Diagnostic Codes for Shoulder Conditions
DC 5200 – Ankylosis of the Shoulder
Used when the shoulder joint is essentially immobile.
| Severity | Major Arm | Minor Arm |
|---|---|---|
| Favorable | 30% | 20% |
| Intermediate | 40% | 30% |
| Unfavorable | 50% | 40% |
DC 5201 – Limitation of Arm Motion
One of the most commonly used codes.
| Limitation | Major Arm | Minor Arm |
|---|---|---|
| At shoulder level (90°) | 20% | 20% |
| Midway (45°) | 30% | 20% |
| To 25° from side | 40% | 30% |
DC 5202 – Impairment of the Humerus
Covers dislocations, malunion, or flail shoulder.
| Condition | Major Arm | Minor Arm |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of head (flail) | 80% | 70% |
| Nonunion | 60% | 50% |
| Recurrent dislocation | 20–30% | 20% |
DC 5203 – Clavicle or Scapula Impairment
| Condition | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dislocation | 20% |
| Nonunion with loose movement | 20% |
| Malunion | 10% |
How Arthritis Affects VA Shoulder Ratings?
Arthritis often plays a major role in shoulder claims.
Arthritis and Shoulder Ratings
| Arthritis Type | Diagnostic Code | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Traumatic Arthritis | DC 5010 | Rated based on ROM |
| Degenerative Arthritis | DC 5003 | Minimum 10% with pain |
Even if ROM limitations are mild, painful motion confirmed by X-rays can still qualify you for compensation.
“Arthritis plus pain often secures at least a minimum compensable rating,” explains a VA rating specialist.
Shoulder Conditions Commonly Affecting ROM
Several conditions can reduce shoulder movement and influence your rating:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Arthritis
- Recurrent dislocations
- Labral tears
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Impingement syndrome
- Fractures of the clavicle, humerus, or scapula
Always tell the examiner about all diagnosed conditions, even if only one is claimed.
How to Prepare for Your VA Shoulder ROM Test?
Understand Your Symptoms
Be ready to explain:
- Where pain begins
- Which movements hurt most
- How often flare-ups occur
Be Honest About Pain
Painful motion matters. If movement hurts, say so clearly. VA regulations require consideration of pain even when motion is possible.
Document Symptoms in Advance
Keep a short journal noting:
- Pain levels
- Stiffness
- Flare-ups
- Activity limitations
Know Your Limits
Never push through pain during the exam. Forced movement can misrepresent your true functional loss.
“The exam measures limitation, not toughness,” advises a veterans service officer.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make
- Pushing through pain
- Saying “it’s fine” when it hurts
- Forgetting to mention flare-ups
- Not explaining work or daily limitations
If it’s not documented, it may not be rated.
Why the Shoulder ROM Test Matters?
For shoulder claims, the ROM test often outweighs imaging studies or written records. It is the primary tool the VA uses to assign disability percentages.
A well-prepared veteran who clearly communicates pain, limits, and functional loss gives the examiner what’s needed to produce an accurate report and a fair rating.
FAQs
Is the shoulder ROM test required for VA claims?
Yes, for most shoulder conditions.
Does pain alone count if I can still move my arm?
Yes, painful motion can qualify for compensation.
Should I stop moving if it hurts?
Yes, and immediately inform the examiner.
Does dominant arm matter?
Yes, ratings are higher for the major arm.
Can arthritis increase my rating?
Yes, especially when confirmed by X-ray.
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