VASRD 5024 · Musculoskeletal
Tenosynovitis VA Disability Rating
Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the sheath that surrounds a tendon, causing pain, swelling and catching on movement. Since February 7, 2021 DC 5024 has covered a wider family — the schedule titles it "Tenosynovitis, tendinitis, tendinosis or tendinopathy", so rotator cuff tendinitis, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, lateral epicondylitis, Achilles tendinopathy and trigger finger are all rated here. The code has no percentages of its own: it is rated as degenerative arthritis, on limitation of motion of the affected part.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Per joint, when motion is limited but not enough to rate on its own |
| 0% | Service-connected, but no compensable joint limitation |
How the VA Evaluates Tenosynovitis
DC 5024 covers tenosynovitis, tendinitis, tendinosis and tendinopathy under one code, and has no percentage criteria of its own. The whole of its rating rule is the note that closes its block: "Evaluate the diseases under diagnostic codes 5013 through 5024 as degenerative arthritis, based on limitation of motion of affected parts." That routes to DC 5003, which rates "on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved (DC 5200 etc.)" — so the percentage is whatever the affected joint's own code provides, and it differs joint by joint. Shoulder tendinitis is measured against DC 5201, wrist tenosynovitis against DC 5215, elbow tendinopathy against DCs 5206-5207, ankle Achilles tendinopathy against DC 5271, and a finger against the digit codes. There is no single ladder. Only where that joint's limitation of motion is noncompensable does a fixed 10 percent apply, per major joint or group of minor joints, combined rather than added. DC 5003's own X-ray-based 20 and 10 percent ratings are expressly unavailable here: "Note (2): The 20 pct and 10 pct ratings based on X-ray findings, above, will not be utilized in rating conditions listed under diagnostic codes 5013 to 5024, inclusive." 38 CFR 4.45(f) defines which joints count as major joints and which as groups of minor joints; 38 CFR 4.59 entitles an actually painful joint to "at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint"; 38 CFR 4.40 treats functional loss on repeated use as "as important as limitation of motion". Plantar fasciitis is no longer rated here — the 2021 rewrite gave it its own code, DC 5269, with its own 30/20/10 criteria. Because the evaluation is assigned on the affected joint, a decision letter normally shows a hyphenated code such as 5024-5201 rather than a bare 5024 (38 CFR 4.27).
Approval outlook
Moderate – well-documented repetitive use injuries can support claims.
Veterans service-connected
~1,700 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~10%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Goniometer range-of-motion measurements, in degrees, for the joint the affected tendon crosses — this is the only thing DC 5024 rates.
- •Examination findings recording objective painful motion, localized swelling along the tendon, or crepitus, which is the confirmation DC 5003 requires before the per-joint 10 percent can be assigned.
- •Ultrasound or MRI showing tendon sheath thickening, tendinosis or a partial tear, plus injection, splinting, physical therapy or release-surgery records.
- •Documentation of functional loss on repeated use over time, which 38 CFR 4.40 treats as "as important as limitation of motion".
- •A separate measurement for every tendon site involved, since each major joint or minor joint group with noncompensable limitation of motion carries its own 10 percent, combined rather than added.
Strategy Tips
- •Show functional limitations like grip loss if the affected tendon is in the hand or wrist, since functional impact is what supports this rating beyond the diagnosis alone.
- •Link your symptoms to specific service activities, particularly repetitive-motion tasks, since this connection supports service connection.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •No documentation of the flare pattern (worse with use, better with rest).
- •Assuming tendon pain is present without objective clinical findings to confirm it.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Failing to show actual functional loss from the condition.
- •Missing physical exam details that would otherwise confirm the diagnosis.
Onset Patterns
- •Tenosynovitis is typically triggered by repetitive movement or a specific trauma, and tends to flare with overuse and improve with rest.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Tenosynovitis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common Among These Military Jobs
Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Tenosynovitis is frequently claimed.
Common questions about Tenosynovitis
- Is Tenosynovitis a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Tenosynovitis under VASRD diagnostic code 5024 (Musculoskeletal). Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the sheath that surrounds a tendon, causing pain, swelling and catching on movement. Since February 7, 2021 DC 5024 has covered a wider family — the schedule titles it "Tenosynovitis, tendinitis, tendin…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Tenosynovitis?
- Possible VA ratings for Tenosynovitis are 10%, 0%. Examples: 10%: Per joint, when motion is limited but not enough to rate on its own; 0%: Service-connected, but no compensable joint limitation.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Tenosynovitis?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Tenosynovitis at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 1,700 veterans are service-connected for Tenosynovitis. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – well-documented repetitive use injuries can support claims.
- What evidence helps prove Tenosynovitis for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Tenosynovitis claim includes: Goniometer range-of-motion measurements, in degrees, for the joint the affected tendon crosses — this is the only thing DC 5024 rates.; Examination findings recording objective painful motion, localized swelling along the tendon, or crepitus, which is the confirmatio…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Tenosynovitis?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Tenosynovitis: Failing to show actual functional loss from the condition.; Missing physical exam details that would otherwise confirm the diagnosis..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Tenosynovitis?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Tenosynovitis include: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5024)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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