VA Disability Rating for Tenosynovitis

Diagnostic Code 5024 · 38 CFR §4.71a

What Is It?

Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendon sheath, which is the protective covering around tendons. When this sheath becomes inflamed, it causes pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area. Common forms include De Quervain tenosynovitis in the wrist and thumb, trigger finger, and Achilles tendon sheath inflammation. The condition often results from repetitive motions, gripping, typing, or other activities that stress the tendons. Veterans frequently develop tenosynovitis from repetitive tasks during military service including weapon handling, vehicle maintenance, typing, physical training, and manual labor. In 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5024 reads 'Tenosynovitis, tendinitis, tendinosis or tendinopathy' and carries no percentage column. It sits in the block of codes from 5013 to 5024, which shares one instruction: 'Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts.' The evaluation therefore comes from the limitation-of-motion code for the joint the tendon problem affects: the wrist, a finger, the shoulder, the ankle. Where that limitation of motion is noncompensable under the joint's own code, DC 5003 provides 10 percent for each major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, and 38 CFR 4.59 recognizes an actually painful joint as entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint. DC 5003 Note (2) states that its X-ray-based 20 and 10 percent ratings will not be used for conditions under diagnostic codes 5013 to 5024.

Rating Criteria

Rating	Criteria
See pathways	DC 5024 assigns no percentage of its own. The Note to DCs 5013 through 5024 directs: 'Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts.' The evaluation is taken from the limitation-of-motion code for each affected joint. Where limitation of motion of the specific joint is noncompensable under the appropriate code, DC 5003 provides 10 percent for each such major joint or group of minor joints affected. Under 38 CFR 4.59 an actually painful joint is entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for that joint. DC 5003 Note (2) bars the 20 and 10 percent ratings based on X-ray findings from being used for conditions under diagnostic codes 5013 to 5024.

Rating

Criteria

See pathways

DC 5024 assigns no percentage of its own. The Note to DCs 5013 through 5024 directs: 'Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts.' The evaluation is taken from the limitation-of-motion code for each affected joint. Where limitation of motion of the specific joint is noncompensable under the appropriate code, DC 5003 provides 10 percent for each such major joint or group of minor joints affected. Under 38 CFR 4.59 an actually painful joint is entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for that joint. DC 5003 Note (2) bars the 20 and 10 percent ratings based on X-ray findings from being used for conditions under diagnostic codes 5013 to 5024.

Evidence Needed

Medical records diagnosing tenosynovitis connected to service activities
Imaging or ultrasound showing tendon sheath inflammation
Range of motion measurements of the affected area
Documentation of the repetitive service activities that caused the condition
Treatment records including physical therapy and injections

C&P Exam Tips

Identify the specific tendon and joint affected
Demonstrate painful motion and any catching or triggering
Describe the repetitive military activities that caused the condition
Show any swelling or crepitus along the tendon
Explain how the condition affects fine motor tasks like gripping and writing

How to File

File under DC 5024 for tenosynovitis. VA rates this condition based on the limitation of motion it causes in the affected joint. Include documentation of the specific tendon involved and the service activities that caused the inflammation. Treatment records showing the chronicity of the condition strengthen the claim.

Common Mistakes

Not identifying the specific tendon involved in the claim.
Failing to document the repetitive service activities that caused the condition.
Not reporting all affected tendons if more than one is involved.
Missing the opportunity to file for secondary conditions like carpal tunnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is De Quervain tenosynovitis ratable?

Yes, De Quervain tenosynovitis is a specific form of tenosynovitis affecting the wrist and thumb tendons. It is rated under DC 5024 based on the limitation of motion it causes. If you developed it from repetitive tasks during service, you can file a claim.

Can trigger finger be rated under this code?

Yes, trigger finger is a form of tenosynovitis where a tendon nodule catches in the tendon sheath, causing the finger to lock. Because DC 5024 is evaluated on limitation of motion of the affected parts, the percentage comes from the finger codes: DC 5228 for the thumb, DC 5229 for the index or long finger, and DC 5230 for the ring or little finger.