Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5023
Tenosynovitis Secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Tenosynovitis when it develops after Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger.
Why Tenosynovitis Is Linked to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger
Strain on surrounding digits
Primary condition · VASRD 5227
Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger
The ring or pinky finger doesn’t move, but usually doesn’t interfere much with overall hand use.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5023
Tenosynovitis
Inflammation of the sheath that surrounds a tendon, causing pain and stiffness.
Tenosynovitis VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Tenosynovitis the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger — severity of Tenosynovitis itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Inflamed tendon sheath makes movement painful. |
Evidence for a Tenosynovitis Secondary Claim
- •Clinical findings of localized swelling
- •Imaging showing thickening of tendon sheath
- •Physical therapy or injection treatment records
Common questions about Tenosynovitis secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger
- Can Tenosynovitis be service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Strain on surrounding digits You'll need a current Tenosynovitis diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Ankylosis of the Ring o…
- What VA rating can I get for Tenosynovitis as a secondary condition?
- Tenosynovitis is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5023 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Tenosynovitis itself, not on the severity of Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger.
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Tenosynovitis as secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Tenosynovitis diagnosis includes: Clinical findings of localized swelling; Imaging showing thickening of tendon sheath; Physical therapy or injection treatment records. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating provider explaining how Ankylosis of the Ring or Litt…
Primary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger guide
Secondary condition
Full Tenosynovitis guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger and Tenosynovitis combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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