Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5023
Tenosynovitis Secondary to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)
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 Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae).
Why Tenosynovitis Is Linked to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)
Muscle weakness can lead to tendon strain and inflammation.
Primary condition · VASRD 5304
Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)
Injury to muscles stabilizing the shoulder blade and assisting with arm movement.
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 Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) — severity of Tenosynovitis itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Inflamed tendon sheath makes movement painful. |
Example combined rating
20% Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) + 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 Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)
- Can Tenosynovitis be service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)?
- 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. Muscle weakness can lead to tendon strain and inflammation. You'll need a current Tenosynovitis diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-co…
- 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 Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae).
- 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 Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) combined with a 10% rating for Tenosynovitis (example figures) produces a combined rating of 28%, not 30%. Approving Tenosynovit…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Tenosynovitis as secondary to Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)?
- 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 Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Gi…
Primary condition
Full Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) guide
Secondary condition
Full Tenosynovitis guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Muscle Group IV - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (e.g., Trapezius, Levator Scapulae) and Tenosynovitis combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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