VA Disability Ratings for Rotator Cuff Repair and Bursitis

Veterans suffering from rotator cuff injuries may experience:

• Persistent shoulder pain, particularly when lifting the arm
• Weakness and limited mobility in the shoulder
• Discomfort during rest and difficulty sleeping on the affected side
• Audible cracking sounds when moving the shoulder.

Ratings are as follows:

• 10% Rating: Assigned for mild rotator cuff injuries where pain is present with motion but does not significantly limit function. There might be occasional discomfort with specific movements.
• 20% Rating: Applicable when the veteran experiences frequent pain that moderately limits the ability to perform tasks requiring shoulder mobility, such as reaching overhead or lifting objects.
• 30% Rating: Given for constant pain and limitation of motion that affects the ability to perform most occupational tasks involving the use of the shoulder. This rating might include cases where the arm cannot be lifted above shoulder level.
• 40% Rating and Higher: These ratings are considered when the rotator cuff injury causes severe pain and significant loss of function, effectively impairing the veteran’s ability to work. The shoulder may exhibit major limitations in motion, essentially equivalent to the disability of an almost complete loss of use of the shoulder.

To establish a service connection for a rotator cuff injury veterans must provide:

• A current medical diagnosis
• Evidence that the injury was caused or aggravated by their military service
• A medical nexus letter linking the rotator cuff injury directly to service activities 

Common secondary conditions associated with rotator cuff injuries include:

• Chronic Shoulder Instability: Frequent dislocations or subluxations due to weakened tendons and muscles from the initial rotator cuff injury.
• Degenerative Arthritis of the Shoulder: Accelerated wear and tear on the shoulder joint, often due to altered mechanics from a rotator cuff tear.
• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint resulting from prolonged immobility or altered use patterns following a rotator cuff injury.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition that may develop after injury, involving prolonged or excessive pain and changes in skin color, temperature, and/or swelling in the arm.
• Neurological Issues: Such as nerve impingement or neuropathic pain stemming from the compromised anatomical structures in the shoulder.
• Impaired Muscle Function: Weakened or atrophied shoulder muscles that cannot perform normal movements effectively, leading to overuse of adjacent muscles and potential injury.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae around the shoulder joint, which can occur due to ongoing inflammation and stress from a rotator cuff injury.