Hello Oldsoldier. I am 28 year old AD (Army) soldier with right shoulder ROM issues. I am completing the MEDBOARD/PEB. I was found "unfit" for duty and receiving 30% disability.
Basically, I had multi-directional instability. I did years of physical therapy, but still had a "loose" shoulder. In May 2010, I had capsular-plication arthroscopic surgery. Afterwards, my ROM decreased and pain increased. This kick started the MEB process for me. So part of the MEB process was to evaluate the ROM for my right shoulder. I went to a physical therapist who measured "Shoulder Flexion North 180 degrees, Shoulder Abduction North to 180 degrees,
Internal rotation North to 90 degrees, and external rotation North to 90 degree. They will measure you with an tool called a goniometer or a Jamar long-arm. These tools give the physical therapist the "official" degree measurement. Below were my numbers if you were interested. Anyways....
AROM Max = Active Range of Motion
PROM= Passive Range of Motion
Right shoulder :
Shoulder Flexion N to 180 : Pain On Set ( 11 deg) AROM Max (77 Degrees) PROM (111 degrees)
Shoulder Abduction N to 180: Pain On Set(49 deg) AROM Max (70 Degrees) PROM ( 128 Degrees
Internal Rotation N to 90: Pain On Set (65 degrees) AROM Max ( 72 Degrees) PROM (80 Degrees)
External Rotation N to 90 : Pain On Set (60 degrees) AROM Max (62 degrees) PROM ( 67 degrees
I did not give you the ROM for the left shoulder because I do not have any problems with it 
After the Physical Therapist gives their report it should have the following blurb at the bottom (or something similar)
Physical Therapist comments:
a. goniometer used: Jamar long-arm
b. If PROM not included, provide brief explanatory statement: PROM not tested on non-symptomatic left shoulder due to patient being within functional range of motion (within 10 degrees above or below the ―N‖ value).
c. RIGHT-HAND DOMINANT – per Service Member report.
d. Service member gave maximal effort throughout the test. With full range active and passive motions abduction and external rotation on right shoulder, Service Member reported she felt as though her shoulder was going to pop out.(<-- specific to my case) Multiple complaints of pain with some cramping into anterior shoulder along area in which she has well-healed scars from surgery/surgeries. Tends to have significantly rounded shoulders posture, right>left, and avoids using right upper extremity to don or doff jacket. Notable compensations at thoracolumbar spine to prevent right shoulder flexion and abduction past comfortable range. (<-- specific to my case)
My MEB packet was submitted to the PEB with the above ROM information. The PEB took my ROM measurements (above) and looked at the VASRD in the section "Arm, limitation of motion of - code 5201" to compare my ROM measurements with the VASRD. Lastly, they take in consideration if the injury is your MAJOR (dominant arm) or MINOR (non dominant arm) to calculate your rating. Here is what the 5201 Arm, limitation of motion percentages are :
5201 Arm, limitation of motion of: Major Minor
To 25° from side: Major 40%/ Minor 30%
Midway between side and shoulder level: Major 30% / Minor 20%
At shoulder level: Major 20% /Minor 20%
So, you really need your "official" ROM measurements to determine if you will receive retirement or not. Also please take in consideration you will get rated for ALL injuries ect that fall below the standard of medical fitness. IE If you have a shoulder injury that limits your range of motion which places you below the standard of medical fitness AND lets say bipolar disorder, you will be rated for BOTH or all injuries/disorders ect which will increase your percentage. If you have an injury/disorder that does not fall below the standard of medical fitness you will simply not be rated by the Army for this injury/disorder. However if you are found "unfit" you can have this injury/disorder ect rated by the VA.
I hope this helps, if you want to chat more feel free to e-mail me at
[email protected]!
