Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5201
Arm, Limitation of Motion Secondary to Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Arm, Limitation of Motion when it develops after Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis.
Why Arm, Limitation of Motion Is Linked to Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis
Reduced muscle support
Primary condition · VASRD 8522
Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis
Paralysis or weakness of the musculocutaneous nerve, affecting arm and elbow movement.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5201
Arm, Limitation of Motion
Difficulty or inability to raise the arm due to injury or joint damage.
Arm, Limitation of Motion VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Arm, Limitation of Motion the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis — severity of Arm, Limitation of Motion itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
20% Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis + 20% Arm, Limitation of Motion = 36%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 20% and 20% combine to 36%, not 40%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Arm, Limitation of Motion Secondary Claim
- •Range-of-motion test results specifically measuring how high the arm can be raised.
- •Orthopedic evaluations documenting the underlying cause of the limitation.
Common questions about Arm, Limitation of Motion secondary to Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis
- Can Arm, Limitation of Motion be service-connected as secondary to Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Reduced muscle support You'll need a current Arm, Limitation of Motion diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Musculocutaneous…
- What VA rating can I get for Arm, Limitation of Motion as a secondary condition?
- Arm, Limitation of Motion is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5201 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 40%, 30%, 20%. The rating depends on the severity of Arm, Limitation of Motion itself, not on the severity of Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis.
- How does a secondary Arm, Limitation of Motion claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 20% rating for Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis combined with a 20% rating for Arm, Limitation of Motion (example figures) produces a combined rating of 36%, not 40%. Approving Arm, Limitation of Motion as secondary stil…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Arm, Limitation of Motion as secondary to Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Arm, Limitation of Motion diagnosis includes: Range-of-motion test results specifically measuring how high the arm can be raised.; Orthopedic evaluations documenting the underlying cause of the limitation.. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating provider explai…
Primary condition
Full Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis guide
Secondary condition
Full Arm, Limitation of Motion guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis and Arm, Limitation of Motion combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
Open the calculator