Injury to muscles that rotate the shoulder blade upward.
Because the rating levels are set by the § 4.56 criteria, evidence that shows the nature and depth of the muscle injury itself is central. Medical records documenting the original wound or injury — including operative reports, imaging, and notes describing muscle damage — help establish how much tissue was affected. Examination findings showing weakness, limited range of motion, pain on use, or visible muscle wasting or scarring support higher severity levels. Any record of muscle flaccidity, loss of power, or inability to raise your arm above shoulder height connects directly to what the rating criteria measure.
For the moderately severe and severe levels, records showing that your dominant or nondominant arm is involved will affect which percentage applies, so documentation identifying which arm is affected matters. Your own statements, and statements from people who observe you daily, describing difficulty lifting, carrying, or performing overhead tasks at work or at home can help show how the injury limits function. Consistent findings across multiple examinations over time can also reflect the true severity of the condition.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
