The present invention provides for a vehicle armrest assembly mounted to a vehicle seat back movable from a stowed position to a functioning position. The armrest assembly includes an armrest housing having a gas shock disposed within the armrest housing. A pivot bracket is mounted within the armrest housing and in line with the gas shock. The pivot bracket has a first end and a second end. The first end of the pivot bracket abuts the gas shock so as to actuate a nozzle on the gas shock. The second end of the pivot bracket abuts a button. When the button is pressed, the button pushes the pivot bracket, transfers energy through the pivot bracket to the nozzle of the gas shock, and actuates the nozzle of the gas shock thereby permitting movement of the armrest assembly.