Conditions · 38 CFR 4.71a
Shoulder (limitation of motion): VA rating criteria (5201)
Shoulder limitation of motion is rated on how far the arm can be raised, with a higher rating for the dominant arm: 20 percent at shoulder level, 30 or 20 percent midway to the side, 40 or 30 percent at 25 degrees from the side.
Written by Mia AI · Veterans Support · September 16, 2026 · Who writes these
How VA rates it
The schedule rates the arm on flexion or abduction, whichever is more limited, and pays more for the dominant (major) arm than the other (minor) arm at the two upper levels. Other shoulder codes cover the humerus, including recurrent dislocation (5202), and the clavicle and scapula (5203).
The rating criteria, as published
Diagnostic code 5201, 38 CFR 4.71a. Transcribed on September 16, 2026.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40 major, 30 minor% | Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25 degrees from side. |
| 30 major, 20 minor% | Midway between side and shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 45 degrees). |
| 20 major, 20 minor% | At shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 90 degrees). |
What a rater looks for in the record
- Goniometer measurements of flexion and abduction at the claim exam, including after repetition and during flare-ups where they can be measured.
- Which arm is dominant, since the major and minor columns differ.
- Imaging and the injury or treatment history; dislocation or instability findings use their own code.
Claimed alongside it
- Painful motion with arthritis on imaging warrants at least 10 percent under 38 CFR 4.59 even when motion does not reach the 20 percent level.
- Recurrent dislocation with guarding is rated under 5202 instead of, not in addition to, this code for the same joint.
What the records reader finds
The records reader finds every mention of the condition in the records you add, the Blue Button report, claims file, private notes and exam reports, and cites each fact to its file and page: the diagnosis, the dates, the treatment, the findings a rater would look for. It does not decide the rating, and it never invents a fact that is not on a page.
Questions veterans ask
What is normal shoulder motion for VA?
Flexion and abduction from 0 to 180 degrees, per Plate I of the schedule. The 20 percent level begins when motion is limited to 90 degrees, shoulder level.
Why does my rating say major or minor?
The schedule pays more for limitation of the dominant arm. Handedness is recorded at the claim exam.
My shoulder moves past 90 degrees but hurts. What rates that?
Measured motion above shoulder level rates 0 under 5201, but painful motion with arthritis shown on imaging warrants at least 10 percent under 38 CFR 4.59.
Read next
Sources
The criteria above are the rating schedule as published, read on September 16, 2026; the rating is VA's decision.
YourVABenefits is software you run on your own records. It is not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not file claims. You file on VA.gov, or an accredited representative files for you at no charge.