Arm Limitation of Motion — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 5201)
Diagnostic Code 5201 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
DC 5201 covers limitation of motion of the arm at the shoulder joint. Veterans commonly develop shoulder conditions from overhead lifting, carrying heavy equipment, falls, combat injuries, and repetitive shoulder use during service. The VA rates this condition based on how high the veteran can raise the arm, with different percentage levels for the dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) arm. Normal shoulder flexion and abduction is 180 degrees (arm fully raised overhead). The rating focuses on the point at which motion is limited — at shoulder level, midway between the side and shoulder, or limited to 25 degrees from the side.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Major (dominant) arm — flexion and/or abduction limited to 25 degrees from the side. The veteran can barely lift the arm away from the body. |
| 30% | Minor (non-dominant) arm — flexion and/or abduction limited to 25 degrees from the side; or major (dominant) arm — motion limited to midway between the side and shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 45 degrees). |
| 20% | Minor (non-dominant) arm — motion limited to midway between the side and shoulder level (45 degrees); or either arm — motion limited at shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 90 degrees). At shoulder level the major and minor columns carry the same figure. |
Evidence Needed
Range of motion measurements of the shoulder are the primary evidence. The C&P examiner measures flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. Medical records documenting shoulder injuries during service, imaging (X-rays showing arthritis or bone spurs, MRI showing rotator cuff damage or labral tears), and surgical records are relevant. If the condition is in your dominant arm, make sure that is documented. The DeLuca factors — pain, weakness, fatigability, and functional loss during flare-ups — must also be considered.
C&P Exam Tips
The examiner will measure shoulder motion in multiple planes. Be honest about pain — stop the movement where it becomes painful rather than pushing through. After the initial measurements, the examiner should test again after repetitive use. Describe your flare-ups in terms of reduced motion: "During a flare-up I cannot raise my arm above waist level." Mention any activities you can no longer perform — reaching overhead shelves, combing your hair, putting on a shirt — as these demonstrate functional limitation. If your shoulder catches, clicks, or gives way, describe those episodes.
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ listing limitation of arm motion and specifying which arm and whether it is your dominant arm. Describe the in-service injury or activity that caused the shoulder condition. Include imaging and treatment records. If you have additional shoulder conditions (instability, rotator cuff issues), claim each one.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is not specifying which arm is dominant, which affects the rating for the moderate and severe levels. Another mistake is having a good day during the exam and not adequately describing flare-ups. Veterans sometimes also miss that shoulder conditions can produce multiple ratable issues — limitation of motion, instability, and arthritis may each warrant separate consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the VA rate the dominant arm higher?
Yes. For limitation of arm motion at the midway and 25-degree levels, the dominant (major) arm receives a higher rating. At the shoulder-level limitation, both arms are rated at 20%.
What if I have a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear may be rated under DC 5201 based on the resulting limitation of motion, or under other shoulder diagnostic codes depending on the specific impairment. The VA should rate based on whichever code provides the most accurate evaluation of your functional limitation.