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Evidence checklist

Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)

DC 505138 CFR § 4.71aMusculoskeletal

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 2 collected
Nexus opinion linking total shoulder replacement to service-connected condition ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting the underlying condition requiring shoulder replacement to military service. The replacement is rated at 100% for one year post-surgery, then on residual ROM.

Private provider · independent opinion
Post-operative shoulder range of motion measurementsCritical

Current orthopedic examination documenting forward flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation after the 1-year minimum rating period, as the ongoing rating will be based on residual motion limitation.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Surgical records from total shoulder replacementCritical

Operative reports from total shoulder arthroplasty (anatomic or reverse), documenting the reason for surgery, implant type, and any intraoperative findings.

VA or private records · written request
Documentation of dominant vs. non-dominant armCritical

Medical records specifying which shoulder was replaced and which arm is dominant. The major extremity receives a higher rating.

VA or private records · written request
Documentation of post-operative complications or chronic symptoms

Records of component loosening, instability, chronic pain, periprosthetic fracture, revision surgery, or persistent functional limitations.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Shoulder and Arm ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing shoulder range of motion, post-surgical status, and functional limitations after total shoulder replacement.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.