Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5023
Tenosynovitis Secondary to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)
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 Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function).
Why Tenosynovitis Is Linked to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)
Chronic limited use strains nearby joints
Primary condition · VASRD 5205
Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)
This condition affects your ability to use the upper arm for lifting or reaching.
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 Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) — severity of Tenosynovitis itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Inflamed tendon sheath makes movement painful. |
Example combined rating
20% Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) + 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 Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)
- Can Tenosynovitis be service-connected as secondary to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)?
- 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. Chronic limited use strains nearby joints You'll need a current Tenosynovitis diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Impairment…
- 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 Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function).
- 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 Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) combined with a 10% rating for Tenosynovitis (example figures) produces a combined rating of 28%, not 30%. Approving Tenosynovitis as second…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Tenosynovitis as secondary to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)?
- 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 Impairment of the Major Arm M…
Primary condition
Full Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) guide
Secondary condition
Full Tenosynovitis guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) and Tenosynovitis combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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