---
title: "DC 5051 - Shoulder replacement (prosthesis)"
diagnostic_code: "5051"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5051-shoulder-replacement-prosthesis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:16:13.943686Z"
---

# DC 5051 - Shoulder replacement (prosthesis)

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

Prosthetic replacement of the shoulder joint. With intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion, rate by analogy to diagnostic codes 5200 and 5203.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100% | 100% | For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis |
| 60% | 50% | With chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity |
| 30% | 20% | Minimum rating |

## Notes

- Note (1): When an evaluation is assigned for joint resurfacing or the prosthetic replacement of a joint under diagnostic codes 5051-5056, an additional rating under § 4.71a may not also be assigned for that joint, unless otherwise directed.
- Note (2): Only evaluate a revision procedure in the same manner as the original procedure under diagnostic codes 5051-5056 if all the original components are replaced.
- Note (3): The term âprosthetic replacementâ in diagnostic codes 5051-5053 and 5055-5056 means a total replacement of the named joint. However, in DC 5054, âprosthetic replacementâ means a total replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum.
- Note (4): The 100 percent rating for 1 year following implantation of prosthesis will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
- Note (5): The 100 percent rating for 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing under DCs 5054 and 5055 will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
- Note (6): Special monthly compensation is assignable during the 100 percent rating period the earliest date permanent use of crutches is established.

# Shoulder Replacement (Prosthesis) — VA Disability Rating (Diagnostic Code 5051)

**Understanding how the VA rates a prosthetic shoulder joint under § 4.71a**

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## What This Condition Covers

Diagnostic Code **5051** applies to the **prosthetic replacement of the shoulder joint** — a total replacement of the named joint. It falls under the **Musculoskeletal System** in the VA's rating schedule (**§ 4.71a**).

When there are **intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain, or limitation of motion** after the replacement, the VA rates the condition **by analogy to diagnostic codes 5200 and 5203**.

The rating schedule recognizes that a dominant ("major") arm and a non-dominant ("minor") arm can be rated at different percentages.

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## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a rating based on the stage of recovery and the severity of any lasting residuals:

| Rating (Dominant/Major) | Rating (Non-Dominant/Minor) | What It Reflects |
|---|---|---|
| **100%** | **100%** | For 1 year following implantation of the prosthesis |
| **60%** | **50%** | Chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity |
| **30%** | **20%** | Minimum rating |

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## What the VA Looks For

- **Timing after surgery.** A **100% rating applies for 1 year following implantation** of the prosthesis. Per the rating notes, this 100% period **begins after the initial 1-month total rating** assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
- **Chronic residuals.** For the **60% level (50% non-dominant)**, the VA looks for **severe, painful motion or weakness** in the affected extremity.
- **A minimum rating.** Even without severe residuals, a **minimum rating of 30% (20% non-dominant)** is provided.
- **Intermediate cases.** Where residual weakness, pain, or limitation of motion fall between these levels, the VA rates **by analogy to diagnostic codes 5200 and 5203**.

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## Important Notes From the Rating Schedule

- **No double-rating of the same joint.** When an evaluation is assigned for joint resurfacing or prosthetic replacement of a joint under diagnostic codes 5051–5056, an **additional rating under § 4.71a may not also be assigned for that joint**, unless otherwise directed *(Note 1)*.
- **Revision procedures.** A **revision procedure** is evaluated the same way as the original procedure under DCs 5051–5056 **only if all the original components are replaced** *(Note 2)*.
- **Meaning of "prosthetic replacement."** For DC 5051, "prosthetic replacement" means a **total replacement of the named joint** *(Note 3)*.
- **Start of the 100% period.** The 100% rating for 1 year following implantation **commences after the initial 1-month total rating** assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge *(Note 4)*.
- **Special monthly compensation.** Special monthly compensation is assignable during the 100% rating period the **earliest date permanent use of crutches is established** *(Note 6)*.

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*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (§ 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5051). It is provided for general educational purposes and describes how ratings are structured — it does not predict individual outcomes.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a