This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Shoulder Condition (Limitation of Motion)
- Shoulder ratings differ for the dominant (major) vs. non-dominant (minor) arm at the 30% and 40% levels.
- DeLuca factors (pain, fatigability, flare-ups) can support a higher rating than resting ROM alone.
- The VA must estimate additional range of motion loss during flare-ups, even if the exam occurs on a good day.
- Rotator cuff injuries, impingement, and labral tears are all rated under the same DC 5201 limitation of motion code.
- Instability (DC 5202) can be rated separately from limitation of motion if both are present.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Shoulder conditions involving limitation of motion are among the most commonly claimed musculoskeletal disabilities by veterans. These conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, labral tears, and degenerative arthritis, are rated under Diagnostic Code 5201 (limitation of motion of the arm).
Like carpal tunnel, the VA rates shoulder limitation differently for the dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) arm. The rating is based on how far the arm can be raised from the side: at shoulder level (90 degrees) earns 20% for either arm, midway between the side and shoulder level (approximately 45 degrees) earns 30% minor/20% major has no distinction but 30%/20%, and limited to 25 degrees from the side earns 40% major/30% minor.
DeLuca factors play a critical role in shoulder ratings. Pain on motion, flare-ups, and functional loss during repetitive use can push the effective range of motion beyond what is measured at rest. Veterans should ensure the examiner documents the additional limitation during flare-ups, even if the exam occurs on a day when symptoms are less severe.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Limitation of motion of the arm at shoulder level (approximately 90 degrees of abduction). This rating is the same for both the major and minor arm. |
| 20% | Limitation of motion of the minor (non-dominant) arm midway between the side and shoulder level (approximately 45 degrees). |
| 30% | Limitation of motion of the major (dominant) arm midway between the side and shoulder level (approximately 45 degrees). |
| 30% | Limitation of motion of the minor (non-dominant) arm to 25 degrees from the side. |
| 40% | Limitation of motion of the major (dominant) arm to 25 degrees from the side. |
- 20%
Limitation of motion of the arm at shoulder level (approximately 90 degrees of abduction). This rating is the same for both the major and minor arm.
- 20%
Limitation of motion of the minor (non-dominant) arm midway between the side and shoulder level (approximately 45 degrees).
- 30%
Limitation of motion of the major (dominant) arm midway between the side and shoulder level (approximately 45 degrees).
- 30%
Limitation of motion of the minor (non-dominant) arm to 25 degrees from the side.
- 40%
Limitation of motion of the major (dominant) arm to 25 degrees from the side.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
Range of motion measurements
Goniometric measurements of shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation, including after repetitive use testing.
Imaging studies
X-ray or MRI of the shoulder documenting rotator cuff tears, labral pathology, impingement, or degenerative changes.
Recommended
DeLuca factors documentation
Medical opinions addressing additional functional loss due to pain, weakened movement, excess fatigability, and incoordination during flare-ups.
Surgical records
If shoulder surgery was performed, operative reports and post-surgical evaluation documenting residual limitation.
Helpful
Buddy statements
Statements describing observed limitations in reaching, lifting, and overhead activities.
Flare-up documentation
A log documenting frequency, duration, and severity of shoulder flare-ups and their impact on daily activities.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Shoulder Limitation. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Opposite Shoulder Condition
DC 5201, Typical range: 20%, 30%, 40%
Cervical Spine Condition
DC 5237, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Peripheral Nerve Damage
DC 8510, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
Related DBQs
Shoulder and Arm Conditions
Form 21-0960M-12
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.