Musculoskeletal · 38 CFR 4.71a · DC 5201
Shoulder Range of Motion VA Disability Rating
Limitation of motion of the shoulder is rated under DC 5201. The brackets track how far the arm can elevate — to shoulder level, midway between side and shoulder, or to side only. The major arm (dominant) and minor arm (non-dominant) carry different maximum percentages. Bilateral shoulder conditions trigger the 38 CFR 4.26 bilateral factor adjustment.
Rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% (minor) / 20% (major) | Limited at shoulder level. |
| 20% (minor) / 30% (major) | Limited midway between side and shoulder level. |
| 30% (minor) / 40% (major) | Limited to 25 degrees from side. |
Common secondary conditions
Veterans rated for shoulder range of motion frequently file secondary-service-connection claims for:
- Rotator cuff tear
- Cervical spine strain
- Other shoulder (bilateral factor)
Use the calculator
Once you know the percentage assigned for this condition, plug it into the VA Combined Rating Calculator alongside any other service-connected ratings to see your combined percentage and 2026 monthly compensation.
Source citations
- 38 CFR 4.71a (eCFR)
- VA.gov current monthly compensation rates
- VA Office of General Counsel — Accreditation directory
VetDisabilityCalc is an independent reference site operated by Zoom Lifestyle LLC. We are not VA-accredited and we do not prepare or present VA claims. The information in this guide is reference material based on the cited regulations and is not legal advice. For representation, use the official VA OGC accreditation directory.