Diagnostic Code 5201 · 38 CFR §4.71a
DC 5201 covers limitation of motion of the arm at the shoulder joint. Veterans commonly develop shoulder conditions from overhead lifting, carrying heavy equipment, falls, combat injuries, and repetitive shoulder use during service. The VA rates this condition based on how high the veteran can raise the arm, with different percentage levels for the dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) arm. Normal shoulder flexion and abduction is 180 degrees (arm fully raised overhead). The rating focuses on the point at which motion is limited — at shoulder level, midway between the side and shoulder, or limited to 25 degrees from the side.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Arm motion limited at shoulder level (approximately 90 degrees of abduction or flexion). Same rating for both major and minor arm. The veteran can raise the arm to shoulder height but no higher. |
| 30% | Arm motion limited to midway between the side and shoulder level (approximately 45 degrees) for the major (dominant) arm. |
| 20% | Same limitation as above (midway between side and shoulder) for the minor (non-dominant) arm. |
| 40% | Arm motion limited to 25 degrees from the side for the major arm. The veteran can barely lift the arm away from the body. |
| 30% | Same severe limitation (25 degrees from side) for the minor arm. |
Range of motion measurements of the shoulder are the primary evidence. The C&P examiner measures flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. Medical records documenting shoulder injuries during service, imaging (X-rays showing arthritis or bone spurs, MRI showing rotator cuff damage or labral tears), and surgical records are relevant. If the condition is in your dominant arm, make sure that is documented. The DeLuca factors — pain, weakness, fatigability, and functional loss during flare-ups — must also be considered.
Yes. For limitation of arm motion at the midway and 25-degree levels, the dominant (major) arm receives a higher rating. At the shoulder-level limitation, both arms are rated at 20%.
A rotator cuff tear may be rated under DC 5201 based on the resulting limitation of motion, or under other shoulder diagnostic codes depending on the specific impairment. The VA should rate based on whichever code provides the most accurate evaluation of your functional limitation.