Limited Motion of the Shoulder (Arm)
Shoulder ratings depend on how high you can raise your arm and whether it is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) side. Ratings run 20 to 40 percent.
How the VA rates it
DC 5201 rates limitation of arm motion at three levels based on flexion and/or abduction: limited to shoulder level (90 degrees), to midway between side and shoulder level (45 degrees), or to 25 degrees from the side. The dominant (major) arm rates higher at the top tiers than the non-dominant (minor) arm. A painful shoulder that still raises above shoulder level does not meet any 5201 tier, but painful motion with arthritis or healed injury generally warrants 10 percent under 38 CFR 4.59 (often assigned via DC 5003 or 5024).
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 40%Dominant (major) arm: flexion and/or abduction limited to 25 degrees from the side. Non-dominant (minor) arm rates 30 percent at this level.
Dominant arm limited to midway between side and shoulder level (45 degrees). Non-dominant arm rates 20 percent at this level.
Either arm limited to shoulder level (90 degrees).
What those terms mean
- flexion
- — Bending the joint (e.g., bending your knee or leaning forward).
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Major Depressive Disorder — Chronic shoulder pain that disrupts sleep and work capacity commonly supports secondary depression claims.
- Cervical Strain — Guarding and altered posture from chronic shoulder dysfunction can aggravate the neck.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Rotator Cuff Injury — Rotator cuff pathology is the most common underlying cause of rated shoulder motion loss.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Confirm the examiner records which hand is dominant; the major/minor distinction changes the top-tier percentages.
- The key measurements are flexion and abduction: how high the arm goes forward and to the side. Report where pain starts, not just the maximum you can force.
- Describe overhead tasks you can no longer do (reaching shelves, lifting, dressing) to corroborate the measured limits.
- If motion stays above shoulder level but the joint is painful, X-ray evidence of arthritis plus painful motion supports the 10 percent minimum under 4.59.
Rating rules to know
Only one rating under 5201 per shoulder, and it cannot be combined with ankylosis (5200) for the same joint. Clavicle/scapula impairment (5203) is an alternative, not an addition, unless a different disability picture supports it. The bilateral factor applies when both arms are compensably rated.
Related diagnostic codes
More musculoskeletal conditions
Lumbosacral Strain (Low Back Strain)
Chronic strain of the low back muscles and ligaments, one of the most commonly claimed VA disabilities. VA rates it on how far you can bend and move your low back, not on how much it hurts.
Rated up to 100%
Limitation of Knee Flexion
The most commonly rated knee disability: how far you can bend the knee. Ratings run 0 to 30 percent based on measured flexion, with a 10 percent floor for a painful knee under the painful-motion rule.
Rated up to 30%
Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
Wear-and-tear arthritis confirmed by X-ray. VA rates it through the motion limits of each affected joint, with a 10 percent floor for a painful arthritic joint even when motion is nearly normal.
Rated up to 20%
Cervical Strain (Neck Strain)
Chronic strain of the neck muscles and ligaments. VA rates it on how far you can move your neck under the same spine formula used for the low back, with neck-specific degree thresholds.
Rated up to 100%
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Wear-and-tear breakdown of the spinal discs and joints, in the low back or neck. VA rates it on measured spinal motion under the same formula used for back and neck strain.
Rated up to 100%
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the tissue band supporting the arch, causing heel and arch pain. VA gave it its own diagnostic code in 2021, rated 10 to 30 percent based mainly on whether treatment provides relief.
Rated up to 40%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.