Musculoskeletal
DVA Shoulder Injury Payout & Compensation Claims
Shoulder injuries are common in veterans whose service involved heavy lifting, overhead work, weapons handling, climbing, and load carriage. Rotator cuff pathology, labral tears, AC joint degeneration, and shoulder instability are all claimable conditions.
As with other musculoskeletal claims, each distinct shoulder pathology should be claimed separately. A veteran with a rotator cuff tear, AC joint degeneration, and shoulder instability has three separately assessable conditions.
Reviewed by Luke Martin · Co-Founder, Clear Path Veterans · Updated May 2026
Why Shoulder Injuries is common in the ADF
Overhead loading, weapons handling (particularly heavy machine guns and artillery), combat engineering tasks, and acute traumatic events during service are the primary causes of shoulder pathology in veterans.
Medical access
Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT)
Shoulder Injuries is not currently on the PAMT list. However, if your Shoulder Injuries is related to a mental health condition, you may be eligible for Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC), which provides funded mental health treatment without a liability determination. Speak to your GP about a DVA mental health referral.
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 Shoulder Injuries claims, translated from the legal language.
Trauma to the shoulder during service activities
Physical trauma to the shoulder joint during service, including repeated minor trauma from weapons handling and physical training
Repetitive overhead or forceful upper limb activities during service
At least 1,000 hours of qualifying overhead or forceful upper limb work within a 10-year period
Conditions that commonly develop alongside
Veterans with Shoulder Injuries 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
Shoulder impairment is assessed under GARP M Chapter 3 based on range of motion (flexion, abduction, external and internal rotation measured with a goniometer), rotator cuff integrity, joint stability, and functional limitation. Each distinct pathology (rotator cuff tear, labral tear, AC joint degeneration, instability) is assessed separately and the points combined.
Range of motion loss is the primary driver of impairment rating. Moderate restriction in shoulder elevation or rotation typically attracts 5–15 points. Severe restriction with significant functional limitation (inability to lift above shoulder height, carry loads, or perform overhead activities) can attract 20 or more points. Surgical history, particularly where surgery has not fully restored function, is also relevant.
Veterans with multiple shoulder pathologies should ensure each is included in the claim. A veteran with a rotator cuff tear, an AC joint injury, and glenohumeral instability from the same shoulder has three separately assessable conditions. The combined shoulder points, added to spinal and other conditions, can make a significant difference to the final CIS.
Use the DVA PI Points CalculatorWhat a strong Shoulder Injuries claim looks like
MRI of the shoulder confirming specific pathologies
Orthopaedic specialist report
Service records establishing physical demands and acute 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 Shoulder Injuries claims
Ready to claim Shoulder Injuries?
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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The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Clear Path Veterans Pty Ltd (ABN 78 690 447 879) is not a law firm and our team are not registered legal practitioners. For medical concerns, consult a qualified health professional. For legal advice, consult a lawyer experienced in military compensation law. Individual circumstances vary and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.