Arm, limitation of motion of
The VA rates Arm, limitation of motion of under Diagnostic Code 5201 across 3 severity levels, from 20% to 40%. The 40% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation. There are 4 documented secondary conditions linked to Arm, limitation of motion of.
Also available: View rating schedule for DC 5201
Rating schedule — DC 5201 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 4
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
20%, 30%, 40%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Arm, limitation of motion of?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | 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. |
| 30% | Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25° from side; 40 |
| 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?
Possibly. Arm, limitation of motion of maxes at 40%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Arm, limitation of motion of?
The key evidence for Arm, limitation of motion of 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 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 happens at the C&P exam for Arm, limitation of motion of?
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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