Limited shoulder motion
The VA rates Limited shoulder motion under Diagnostic Code 5201, with separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm: 20% to 40% for the dominant arm and 20% to 30% for the non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition. There are 4 documented secondary conditions linked to Limited shoulder motion.
Catalog name: Arm, limitation of motion of.
Rating schedule · DC 5201 at a glance
- Dominant arm
- 20% to 40%
- Non-dominant arm
- 20% to 30%
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 4
Major column of the published table
Minor column of the published table
Where this code is published
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Limited shoulder motion?
DC 5201 is rated separately for your dominant arm and your non-dominant arm. 38 CFR § 4.69 decides which arm is dominant.
Source: 38 CFR § 4.71a, eCFR as of .
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Limited shoulder motion?
View 4 secondary conditions linked to Limited shoulder motion
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips, rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Limited shoulder motion in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5170Toes, all, amputation of, without metatarsal loss or transmetatarsal, amputation of, with up to half of metatarsal loss
- 5171Toe, great, amputation of
- 5172Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal head
- 5173Toes, three or four, amputation of, without metatarsal involvement
- 5200Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of
- 5202Humerus, other impairment of
- 5203Clavicle or scapula, impairment of
- 5205Elbow, ankylosis of
- 5206Forearm, limitation of flexion of
- 5207Forearm, limitation of extension of
What to do with a Limited shoulder motion rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
On this site
Read next
- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
- VA Secondary Conditions Explained: Causation vs AggravationA service-connected condition can cause or worsen other conditions. Learn how 38 CFR 3.310 secondary service connection works: causation versus aggravation.
Common Questions About Limited shoulder motion VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Limited shoulder motion?
Dominant arm: 20% to 40%; non-dominant arm: 20% to 30%, under DC 5201, 38 CFR § 4.71a. The applicable column depends on which arm is dominant under 38 CFR § 4.69.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Limited shoulder motion?
The VA rates Limited shoulder motion under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5201, published in 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% dominant-arm rating for Limited shoulder motion?
These figures are the dominant-arm column of DC 5201. A 20% dominant-arm rating is published for: At shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 90°). A 40% dominant-arm rating is published for: Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25° from side. The non-dominant arm is rated on its own column, 20% to 30%.
Can Limited shoulder motion qualify for TDIU?
Using the dominant-arm maximum: DC 5201 publishes up to 40% for the dominant arm and up to 30% for the non-dominant arm. That alone does not meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. With other service-connected disabilities combining to 70% or more, one of them at 40% or more, TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply, and extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Limited shoulder motion?
The key evidence for Limited shoulder motion is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Limited shoulder motion?
Limited shoulder motion 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 happens at the C&P exam for Limited shoulder motion?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5201 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms. If you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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