VA Rating for Limited Arm Motion (DC 5201) Explained | Shoulder Range of Motion Claim Tips

Hey veterans and families — it’s Craig from Royal Rock Counseling and Consulting, and welcome to Day 8 of our “30 VA Claims in 30 Days” series.

Today we’re breaking down Diagnostic Code 5201 under 38 CFR 4.71a, which covers limited motion of the arm and shoulder joint. If you’ve experienced restricted shoulder movement from service-related injuries, this video will help you understand how the VA measures range of motion, applies major vs. minor arm ratings, and determines your disability percentage.

We’ll cover:

✅ Normal flexion and abduction measurements (0°–180°)

✅ How 25°, 45°, and 90° motion limits translate into 20–40% ratings

✅ The most common mistake veterans make at their C&P exams

✅ A real BVA case where a veteran’s rating increased from 20% to 40%

✅ How to document functional loss and describe flare-ups effectively

💥 Free Resources Mentioned:
📘 3-Stage VA Claim Playbook — Step-by-step guide to organizing and strengthening your claim

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JONzB2tXX7qke76A-ADtJnLpIn_crDS2/view?usp=drive_link

🧠 Mental Status Examination Decision Tree — Understand how mental health evaluations affect ratings

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18aHmXTlPm3_BXlM6sMHQEHimJtg4oWb8/view?usp=drive_link

📅 Join me LIVE on November 11 as we answer FAQs about VA claims and conditions from across the web.

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. Royal Rock Counseling and Consulting, LLC, is not a VA-accredited representative, attorney, or VSO, and does not prepare, present, or prosecute VA claims. We provide educational and administrative guidance only.

#VALimitedArmMotion #VAShoulderClaim #VAClaimsCoach #VeteranDisabilityBenefits #VADiagnosticCode5201 #38CFR471A #VADisabilityRatings #VeteranAdvocacy #RoyalRockCounseling

Timestamps/Key Moments

0:00 – Intro: 30 VA Claims in 30 Days Series
0:10 – Free Resources: VA Claim Playbook & Mental Status Decision Tree
0:46 – Disclaimer: Educational Use Only
1:42 – Transition from Confusion to Confidence
1:54 – Today’s Topic: Musculoskeletal System (Shoulder & Arm Motion)
2:09 – Diagnostic Code 5201 Overview (38 CFR 4.71a)
2:25 – Normal Range of Motion for Flexion & Abduction
2:58 – How the VA Rates Limited Arm Motion
3:10 – Major vs. Minor Arm Explained (Dominant Side Rating Differences)
4:56 – VA 2021 Regulation Update: Flexion or Abduction Qualifies
5:36 – Explaining “Worst Case Scenario” and Functional Loss
6:09 – How to Describe Flare-Ups & Fatigue at Your C&P Exam
6:57 – Case Spotlight: Right Shoulder Labral & Rotator Cuff Tear (2023 Decision)
7:41 – How Functional Loss Boosts Your Claim Rating
8:22 – Writing Strong Lay Statements (Before & After Examples)
8:49 – Proper Use of Case Law for VA Claims
9:20 – When to Use Case Law in BVA vs. HLR
13:46 – Closing: “Live Royally and Live Well”

Royal Rock Counseling & Consulting is here to help you live royally and live well.

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📧 Email: craigc@royalrockllc.com
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Видео VA Rating for Limited Arm Motion (DC 5201) Explained | Shoulder Range of Motion Claim Tips канала Royal Rock Wellness