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.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition primarily based on range-of-motion measurements. During your C&P exam, the examiner will use a goniometer to measure how far you can move the affected joint. Pain, flare-ups, and repetitive-use limitations also factor into the final rating.

Diagnostic code

DC 5024

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5024. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

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 →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Rotator Cuff Tear or rated under the same body system.

Cervical Strain (Neck Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal·Possible secondary

Shoulder Limitation of Motion

DC 5201·Musculoskeletal·Possible secondary

Peripheral Neuropathy — Upper Extremities

DC 8515·Neurological·Possible secondary

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

DC 9434·Mental Disorders·Possible secondary

Lumbar Strain (Low Back Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Flexion

DC 5260·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Extension

DC 5261·Musculoskeletal

Knee Instability (Subluxation)

DC 5257·Musculoskeletal

Condition Rating Guides

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

Rotator Cuff Tear

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5024

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

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.