Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5023
Tenosynovitis Secondary to Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus
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 Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus.
Why Tenosynovitis Is Linked to Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus
Altered heel alignment places stress on tendon
Primary condition · VASRD 5040
Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus
A fracture of the heel or ankle bone that may cause long-term mobility issues.
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 Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus — severity of Tenosynovitis itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Inflamed tendon sheath makes movement painful. |
Example combined rating
20% Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus + 10% Tenosynovitis = 28%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 20% and 10% combine to 28%, not 30%. 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 Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus
- Can Tenosynovitis be service-connected as secondary to Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus?
- 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. Altered heel alignment places stress on tendon You'll need a current Tenosynovitis diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Fract…
- 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 Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus.
- 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 20% rating for Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus combined with a 10% rating for Tenosynovitis (example figures) produces a combined rating of 28%, not 30%. Approving Tenosynovitis as secondary still typically raises your…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Tenosynovitis as secondary to Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus?
- 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 Fracture of the Talus or Calc…
Primary condition
Full Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus guide
Secondary condition
Full Tenosynovitis guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Fracture of the Talus or Calcaneus and Tenosynovitis combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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