Conditions / Musculoskeletal
38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5051 · checked 2026-10-20
VA rating for Shoulder replacement
VA rates Shoulder replacement under diagnostic code 5051 (Shoulder replacement (prosthesis)) at 3 levels from 30% to 100%. The lowest paid level, 30%, is worth $552.47 a month and the highest, 100%, $3,938.58 to a veteran alone at the rates effective December 1, 2025.
- 1Diagnostic code DC 5051
- 2Highest level 100% · $3,938.58
- 3Lowest paid level 30% · $552.47
Rating criteria for DC 5051
| Rating | What the schedule requires |
|---|---|
| 100% | For 1 year following implantation of the prosthesis. |
| 60% minor side 50% | With chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity. |
| 30% minor side 20% | Minimum rating. |
Summarized from eCFR, 38 CFR 4.71a Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system, diagnostic code 5051, checked 2026-10-20. The regulation's own wording governs.
Notes in the schedule
- Intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion are rated by analogy to codes 5200 and 5203.
What each level pays
| Level | Alone | With spouse | With tinnitus 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | 100 → 100% |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | 64 → 60% |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | 37 → 40% |
Every compensable level of this code is 30% or more, so the dependent rows of VA's table apply at each one. The spread from the lowest paid level to the highest is $3,386.11 a month. The last column shows the combined rating if this condition is joined by a 10% tinnitus rating.
Both sides: the bilateral factor
Shoulder replacement affects an arm or hand, so when both sides are rated, 38 CFR 4.26 applies. Two ratings of 30% combine to 51; the bilateral factor adds 10% of that, giving 56, rated 60% instead of 50%. Other ratings on paired limbs join the same bilateral group; the bilateral factor guide shows how.
How this rating fits a claim
The top level, 100%, is at or above the 60% that 38 CFR 4.16(a) sets for a single disability to qualify for consideration of a total rating based on unemployability. A rating under DC 5051 is combined with every other rating by Table I, never added; the calculator shows the result with your other ratings and dependents.
The rating is set from the evidence at the time of the decision, usually including a VA examination. If the condition has worsened since, VA accepts a claim for an increase on VA Form 21-526EZ; see how to request an increase.
Related conditions
- Degenerative arthritis (DC 5003)
- Hip replacement (DC 5054)
- Knee replacement (DC 5055)
- Shoulder (arm) limitation of motion (DC 5201)
- Elbow (forearm) limitation of flexion (DC 5206)
Pay at the top level: 100% VA pay. At the lowest paid level: 30% VA pay.
Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26 and 38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5051. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.