musculoskeletalDC 5201

Rotator Cuff Injury/Tear

Rotator cuff injuries, including tears and impingement, are among the most commonly claimed shoulder conditions. The VA rates these under the shoulder limitation of range of motion schedule (DC 5201), based on how far the veteran can raise their arm to the side (abduction) or directly in front (flexion). Ratings differ for the dominant vs. non-dominant arm. Veterans will NOT receive separate ratings if both abduction and flexion are affected - they receive a single rating for whichever measurement gives the higher evaluation. If the condition has progressed to the point of a total shoulder replacement, it would be rated under DC 5051 instead.

VA Rating Levels

20%

Arm cannot be raised past 90 degrees (shoulder level). Both dominant and non-dominant receive 20%.

30%

Arm cannot be raised past 45 degrees. Dominant arm receives 30%, non-dominant receives 20%.

40%

Arm cannot be raised past 25 degrees. Dominant arm receives 40%, non-dominant receives 30%.

Exam Tips & Key Evidence

→The examiner is REQUIRED to consider flare-ups. Even if your exam is not on your worst day, the examiner must estimate your worst-day impairment and the rater must use the most impaired ROM measurements.
→Veterans will NOT receive separate ratings for both abduction and flexion limitations. You receive a single rating based on whichever ROM limitation is most severe.
→Pain with motion warrants a minimum 20% rating for the shoulder, even if ROM testing alone does not reach the compensable thresholds.
→If the shoulder condition does not warrant a rating based on ROM, it may be rated under degenerative arthritis as a fallback.
→The amputation rule applies: combined ratings for conditions in the shoulder, arm, and hand cannot exceed what would be awarded for an amputation of that limb.
→For veterans who are ambidextrous, the affected limb will be considered dominant.
→Consider claiming secondary conditions such as nerve damage or neck issues if the rotator cuff injury is related to service-connected conditions.

Commonly Related Conditions

Shoulder - Limitation of Range of Motion Shoulder Replacement Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)Degenerative Arthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)Radiculopathy - Upper Extremities (Cervical)

38 CFR Reference

38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5201