VASRD 5205 · Musculoskeletal System

Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) VA Disability Rating

This condition affects your ability to use the upper arm for lifting or reaching.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
40%You can't lift or bend your dominant arm at all.
30%You can't lift or bend your non-dominant arm at all.
20%Your arm is very weak and stiff with limited motion.
10%You can still use your arm but it’s weak or painful.

How the VA Evaluates Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)

Based on range of motion testing, strength assessments, and functional impact of shoulder/elbow limitations.

Approval rate

Moderate – contingent on C&P findings and rehab records.

Annual service-connected

2,400 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Strength testing by VA or private PT
  • •MRI/EMG confirming muscle or nerve impairment
  • •Daily living impact documentation

Strategy Tips

  • •Include range of motion values from C&P
  • •Clarify how this affects work or lifting

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No dominant/non-dominant side documentation
  • •Incomplete ROM values or missing strength grades

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Only citing pain without functional loss proof
  • •Failing to submit motion or strength testing

Onset Patterns

  • •Common in lifting injuries, post-surgical complications, or joint degeneration

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Tendonitis

    Chronic limited use strains nearby joints

  • Cervical Strain

    Compensation from poor shoulder mobility

Common questions about Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)

Is Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) under VASRD diagnostic code 5205 (Musculoskeletal System). This condition affects your ability to use the upper arm for lifting or reaching.
What VA disability rating can I get for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)?
Possible VA ratings for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) are 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 40% — You can't lift or bend your dominant arm at all.; 30% — You can't lift or bend your non-dominant arm at all.; 20% — Your arm is very weak and stiff with limited motion..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)?
The average awarded rating for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) is 20%. Roughly 2,400 veterans are service-connected for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – contingent on C&P findings and rehab records..
What evidence helps prove Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) claim includes: Strength testing by VA or private PT; MRI/EMG confirming muscle or nerve impairment; Daily living impact documentation.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function): Only citing pain without functional loss proof; Failing to submit motion or strength testing.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) include: Tendonitis, Cervical Strain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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