VASRD 5205 · Musculoskeletal System
Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) at 40% VA Disability Rating
You can't lift or bend your dominant arm at all.
40%: single veteran, no dependents
$795.84
$9,550.08/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 40%
Complete loss of function of shoulder and elbow (dominant arm).
40% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) rated at 40%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $795.84 |
| With spouse | $882.84 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $947.84 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $990.84 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $853.84 |
Lower tier
30% Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)
$552.47 /mo single
Common questions about 40% for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)
- How much does a 40% VA rating for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) pay?
- A single veteran rated 40% for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) receives $795.84 per month ($9,550.08/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 $947.84.
- What does it take to get a 40% rating for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)?
- Complete loss of function of shoulder and elbow (dominant arm).
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 40%?
- Yes. If a condition like Tendonitis is service-connected as secondary to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function), the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 40% alone.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) are on the main condition page.
View full Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) guide