Arm, limitation of motion of
Arm, limitation of motion of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5201, from 20% to 40% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 40% rating requires: Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25° from side; 30. Most claims establish the 20% or 30% rating before reaching the top tier.
What are the VA rating criteria for Arm, limitation of motion of?
Midway between side and shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 45°); 30
Note: DC 5201 rates limitation of motion of the arm at the shoulder. "Major" refers to the dominant arm; "Minor" refers to the non-dominant arm. Ratings differ by 10% between major and minor arm for the same limitation.
Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25° from side; 40
Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25° from side; 30
Note: At 40%, the arm can barely be raised from the side. This level of impairment significantly impacts all activities of daily living requiring arm use above waist level.
“Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25° from side; 40”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Arm, limitation of motion of?
View 4 secondary conditions linked to Arm, limitation of motion of
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Arm, limitation of motion of VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Arm, limitation of motion of?
The VA rates Arm, limitation of motion of under Diagnostic Code 5201 at 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Midway between side and shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 45°); 30. The maximum 40% rating requires: Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25° from side; 30.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Arm, limitation of motion of?
The VA rates Arm, limitation of motion of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5201, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 20% and a 40% rating for Arm, limitation of motion of?
A 20% rating requires: Midway between side and shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 45°); 30. A 40% rating requires: Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25° from side; 30. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Arm, limitation of motion of qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Arm, limitation of motion of may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Arm, limitation of motion of?
Service connection for Arm, limitation of motion of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Arm, limitation of motion of?
Arm, limitation of motion of is associated with 4 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What is the C&P exam like for Arm, limitation of motion of?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Arm, limitation of motion of uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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