Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5201: Shoulder. Limitation of Arm Motion Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 20% to 40%
- Rating levels
- 3
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Shoulder. Limitation of Arm Motion under diagnostic code 5201 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5201 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Arm limited to shoulder level (90 degrees) What raters look forlimited to shoulder level; 90 degrees |
| 30% | Arm limited to midway between side and shoulder level (45-90 degrees), major arm What raters look forlimited to midway; major arm; 45-90 degrees |
| 40% | Arm limited to 25 degrees from side, major arm What raters look forlimited to 25 degrees; major arm; severe limitation |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Shoulder. The Shoulder condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
Other conditions rated under this code: Rotator Cuff Injury.
What happens to Shoulder appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 621 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Shoulder as the primary issue. The Shoulder condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Shoulder appeals generally rather than DC 5201 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5201?
Diagnostic code 5201 is the VA rating schedule entry for Shoulder. Limitation of Arm Motion, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5201?
DC 5201 provides ratings of 20%, 30%, 40%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5201 require?
The 40% rating for Shoulder. Limitation of Arm Motion requires: Arm limited to 25 degrees from side, major arm.