Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5023
Tenosynovitis Secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major)
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 Wrist (Major).
Why Tenosynovitis Is Linked to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major)
Compensation in nearby tendons from reduced wrist movement
Primary condition · VASRD 5215
Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major)
A fused wrist joint with no ability to bend, often due to trauma or arthritis.
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 Wrist (Major) — severity of Tenosynovitis itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Inflamed tendon sheath makes movement painful. |
Example combined rating
40% Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) + 10% Tenosynovitis = 46%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 40% and 10% combine to 46%, not 50%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
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 Wrist (Major)
- Can Tenosynovitis be service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major)?
- 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. Compensation in nearby tendons from reduced wrist movement You'll need a current Tenosynovitis diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-con…
- 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 Wrist (Major).
- How does a secondary Tenosynovitis claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 40% rating for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) combined with a 10% rating for Tenosynovitis (example figures) produces a combined rating of 46%, not 50%. Approving Tenosynovitis as secondary still typically raises your ove…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Tenosynovitis as secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major)?
- 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 Wrist (Major…
Primary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) guide
Secondary condition
Full Tenosynovitis guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) and Tenosynovitis combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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