Rotator cuff injuries, including partial and full thickness tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor tendons, are claimable through DVA when caused by service-related physical demands or trauma.
Rotator cuff pathology is common in veterans whose service involved heavy overhead activity, weapons handling, climbing, and physical training. It can be claimed as part of a broader shoulder injury claim.
Why Rotator Cuff Injury is common in the ADF
Repeated overhead loading and acute shoulder trauma during service are the primary causes of rotator cuff tears in ADF veterans.
Medical access
Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT)
Rotator Cuff Injury is on the PAMT list. This means you can access funded medical treatment while your DVA claim is being assessed — you do not need to wait for a liability decision to start treatment.
Physiotherapy and shoulder rehabilitation
Orthopaedic specialist consultations
Imaging (MRI) as clinically indicated
Deadline: PAMT applications for Rotator Cuff Injury must be lodged by 30 June 2026. After this date, PAMT will no longer be available as the VETS Act takes effect. Do not wait.
Statement of Principles — in plain English
DVA assesses your claim against a Statement of Principles (SoP). Here are the key factors that most commonly apply to Rotator Cuff Injury claims, translated from the legal language.
Trauma to the shoulder or rotator cuff during service
Physical trauma or acute injury to the shoulder during service activities
Repetitive overhead or heavy upper limb work
At least 1,000 hours of qualifying overhead work within a 10-year period
Conditions that commonly develop alongside
Veterans with Rotator Cuff Injury often develop related conditions that may also be claimable. These are worth assessing at the same time as your primary claim.
What to expect for impairment points
Rotator cuff impairment is assessed based on tear severity (partial vs. full thickness), strength deficits, and range of motion limitations.
Use the DVA PI Points CalculatorWhat a strong Rotator Cuff Injury claim looks like
MRI confirming rotator cuff tear and characterising the tear
Orthopaedic specialist report
Service records establishing the physical demands and any acute shoulder injuries
DVA currently takes 3–6 months to decide most initial liability claims. Complex or multi-condition claims can take longer. Lodging a complete, decision-ready claim upfront reduces back-and-forth.
Processing times guideCommon questions about Rotator Cuff Injury claims
Ready to claim Rotator Cuff Injury?
Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through whether your condition meets the SoP factors, what evidence you need, and how to build a decision-ready claim.
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