Conditions / Musculoskeletal
38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5201 · checked 2026-10-20
VA rating for Shoulder (arm) limitation of motion
VA rates Shoulder (arm) limitation of motion under diagnostic code 5201 (Arm, limitation of motion of) at 3 levels from 20% to 40%. The lowest paid level, 20%, is worth $356.66 a month and the highest, 40%, $795.84 to a veteran alone at the rates effective December 1, 2025.
- 1Diagnostic code DC 5201
- 2Highest level 40% · $795.84
- 3Lowest paid level 20% · $356.66
Rating criteria for DC 5201
| Rating | What the schedule requires |
|---|---|
| 40% minor side 30% | Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25 degrees from the side. |
| 30% minor side 20% | Midway between side and shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 45 degrees). |
| 20% | At shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 90 degrees). |
Summarized from eCFR, 38 CFR 4.71a Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system, diagnostic code 5201, checked 2026-10-20. The regulation's own wording governs.
Notes in the schedule
- Major means the dominant arm; minor the other arm. The table gives a separate percentage for each.
What each level pays
| Level | Alone | With spouse | With tinnitus 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | 46 → 50% |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | 37 → 40% |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 | 28 → 30% |
2 of the 3 compensable levels are 30% or higher, where dependents raise the payment; below that the rate is flat. The spread from the lowest paid level to the highest is $439.18 a month. The last column shows the combined rating if this condition is joined by a 10% tinnitus rating.
Both sides: the bilateral factor
Shoulder (arm) limitation of motion affects an arm or hand, so when both sides are rated, 38 CFR 4.26 applies. Two ratings of 20% combine to 36; the bilateral factor adds 10% of that, giving 40, rated 40%. With 40% on one side and 20% on the other, the paired value is 57, rated 60%. Other ratings on paired limbs join the same bilateral group; the bilateral factor guide shows how.
How this rating fits a claim
This code reaches 40% or more, the level one disability needs under 38 CFR 4.16(a) when several disabilities together reach 70% for unemployability. A rating under DC 5201 is combined with every other rating by Table I, never added; the calculator shows the result with your other ratings and dependents.
The rating is set from the evidence at the time of the decision, usually including a VA examination. If the condition has worsened since, VA accepts a claim for an increase on VA Form 21-526EZ; see how to request an increase.
Related conditions
- Degenerative arthritis (DC 5003)
- Shoulder replacement (DC 5051)
- Hip replacement (DC 5054)
- Knee replacement (DC 5055)
- Elbow (forearm) limitation of flexion (DC 5206)
Pay at the top level: 40% VA pay. At the lowest paid level: 20% VA pay.
Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26 and 38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5201. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.