VASRD 5201 · Musculoskeletal System

Arm, Limitation of Motion VA Disability Rating

Difficulty or inability to raise the arm due to injury or joint damage.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
40%Can’t lift arm more than halfway
30%Can’t lift arm above shoulder
20%Can lift only to shoulder

How the VA Evaluates Arm, Limitation of Motion

Range of motion tests, physical exam, and imaging.

Approval rate

High (~65%) with consistent ROM documentation.

Annual service-connected

11,800 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Range of motion test results
  • •Orthopedic evaluations

Strategy Tips

  • •Submit goniometer measurements
  • •Include pain and flare-up documentation

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Claiming without objective ROM limits
  • •Lack of pain description

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Failing to document exact angle limitations
  • •Missing imaging results

Onset Patterns

  • •Often due to trauma, surgery, or overuse

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Arm, Limitation of Motion. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Frozen Shoulder

    Limited movement can lead to stiffness

  • Neck Strain

    Compensating for limited motion

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Arm, Limitation of Motion is frequently claimed.

Army11CIndirect Fire InfantrymanArmy12CBridge CrewmemberArmy12KPlumberArmy12MFirefighterArmy12NHorizontal Construction EngineerArmy12QPower Line Distribution SpecialistArmy12WCarpentry and Masonry SpecialistArmy13BCannon CrewmemberArmy14MMan Portable Air Defense System CrewmemberArmy14TPATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operator/MaintainerArmy15DAircraft Powertrain RepairerArmy15GAircraft Structural Repairer

Common questions about Arm, Limitation of Motion

Is Arm, Limitation of Motion a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Arm, Limitation of Motion under VASRD diagnostic code 5201 (Musculoskeletal System). Difficulty or inability to raise the arm due to injury or joint damage.
What VA disability rating can I get for Arm, Limitation of Motion?
Possible VA ratings for Arm, Limitation of Motion are 40%, 30%, 20%. Examples: 40% — Can’t lift arm more than halfway; 30% — Can’t lift arm above shoulder; 20% — Can lift only to shoulder.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Arm, Limitation of Motion?
The average awarded rating for Arm, Limitation of Motion is 20%. Roughly 11,800 veterans are service-connected for Arm, Limitation of Motion each year. Typical approval likelihood: High (~65%) with consistent ROM documentation..
What evidence helps prove Arm, Limitation of Motion for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Arm, Limitation of Motion claim includes: Range of motion test results; Orthopedic evaluations.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Arm, Limitation of Motion?
Common pitfalls when filing for Arm, Limitation of Motion: Failing to document exact angle limitations; Missing imaging results.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion include: Frozen Shoulder, Neck Strain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Arm, Limitation of Motion combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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