VASRD 5051 · Musculoskeletal System
Shoulder Replacement (Prosthesis) at 20% VA Disability Rating
Data last updated September 23, 2026
The lowest evaluation for a replaced shoulder on your non-dominant side.
20% combined rating: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 20% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25.
The full 20% pay chart, with dependentsCombine this rating with others
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
Prosthetic replacement of the shoulder joint: minimum rating — minor (non-dominant) extremity.
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation at a 20% combined rating. Additional compensation for dependents starts at a combined rating of 30% (38 U.S.C. § 1115), so below that the single rate applies whatever the household.
| Single (no dependents) | $356.66 |
Higher tier
30% Shoulder Replacement (Prosthesis)
$552.47 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Shoulder Replacement (Prosthesis)
How much does a 20% VA rating for Shoulder Replacement (Prosthesis) pay?
VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 20% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25. At a 20% combined rating, a single veteran receives $356.66 per month ($4,279.92/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. Additional compensation for dependents starts at a combined rating of 30% (38 U.S.C. § 1115), so below that the single rate applies whatever the household.
What does it take to get a 20% rating for Shoulder Replacement (Prosthesis)?
Prosthetic replacement of the shoulder joint: minimum rating — minor (non-dominant) extremity.
What's the difference between 20% and 30% for Shoulder Replacement (Prosthesis)?
20%: Prosthetic replacement of the shoulder joint: minimum rating — minor (non-dominant) extremity. 30%: Prosthetic replacement of the shoulder joint: minimum rating — major (dominant) extremity.
Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
Yes, up to 100%. A condition service-connected as secondary to Shoulder Replacement (Prosthesis) gets its own rating, which VA combines with your other ratings under 38 CFR 4.25, so your combined rating can end up higher than 20%.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a, Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5051)
- VA.gov, 2026 veteran disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025
Pay amounts on this page were last checked against VA.gov on September 22, 2026.
How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Shoulder Replacement (Prosthesis) are on the main condition page.
View full Shoulder Replacement (Prosthesis) guide
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