VASRD 5201 · Musculoskeletal System
Arm, Limitation of Motion at 20% VA Disability Rating
Can lift only to shoulder
20%: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
Arm limited to shoulder level
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Arm, Limitation of Motion rated at 20%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $356.66 |
| With spouse | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $356.66 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $356.66 |
Higher tier
30% Arm, Limitation of Motion
$552.47 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Arm, Limitation of Motion
- How much does a 20% VA rating for Arm, Limitation of Motion pay?
- A single veteran rated 20% for Arm, Limitation of Motion receives $356.66 per month ($4,279.92/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. With a spouse and one child, the monthly amount is $356.66.
- What does it take to get a 20% rating for Arm, Limitation of Motion?
- Arm limited to shoulder level
- What's the difference between 20% and 30% for Arm, Limitation of Motion?
- 20%: Can lift only to shoulder 30%: Can’t lift arm above shoulder
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
- Yes. If a condition like Frozen Shoulder is service-connected as secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion, the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 20% alone.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Arm, Limitation of Motion are on the main condition page.
View full Arm, Limitation of Motion guide