Rotator Cuff Tear

DC 5024Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5024

A tear in one or more of the tendons that hold your shoulder together, causing pain and weakness when lifting your arm. The VA rates rotator cuff tears based on how much your shoulder movement is limited, using the same criteria as shoulder limitation of motion.

Rating Levels

Your arm motion in the affected shoulder is limited to 25 degrees from your side (dominant arm). You can barely lift your arm away from your body. Non-dominant arm is rated at 20%.

What the VA looks for

Arm motion limited to 25 degrees from side
Severe restriction in all planes of motion
Significant weakness in the affected arm
Inability to perform overhead activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an MRI to document the tear — X-rays do not show soft tissue damage like rotator cuff tears. An MRI is essential evidence.
⚠Not reporting pain on your worst days — the C&P exam captures one moment, but DeLuca factors (pain, weakness, fatigability, flare-ups) can support a higher rating.
⚠Not specifying whether the tear is in your dominant arm — the dominant arm receives higher ratings at most levels.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — rotator cuff tears commonly cause cervical spine problems, opposite shoulder overuse, and sleep disturbance from pain.
⚠Accepting a 10% rating when your shoulder motion is actually limited to shoulder level or below — make sure the examiner measures all planes of motion.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Shoulder and Arm Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…