Tendonitis/Tendinopathy
Tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) and related conditions including tendinopathy, tendinosis, and tenosynovitis involve inflammation or degeneration of tendons. Under the VA rating schedule (DC 5024), these conditions are technically listed under the degenerative arthritis schedule but are actually rated solely on how they affect range of motion of the applicable joint. The VA does not give separate major/minor joint arthritis ratings for tendon conditions. Instead, the veteran is rated under the specific joint's ROM schedule.
VA Rating Levels
Minimum compensable rating. Pain with motion of the affected joint, even if ROM measurements do not reach a higher threshold.
Moderate ROM limitation of the affected joint. For example, shoulder motion limited to shoulder level, or ankle dorsiflexion limited to 5-10 degrees.
More significant ROM limitation. Actual percentage depends on the specific joint/tendon affected and degree of limitation per that joint's schedule.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Tendonitis is rated on how it impacts ROM, NOT under the degenerative arthritis framework. Look at the specific joint schedule for your rating criteria.
- →Common types include Achilles tendonitis (ankle), patellar tendonitis (knee), rotator cuff tendonitis (shoulder), lateral epicondylitis/tennis elbow (elbow), and medial epicondylitis/golfer's elbow (elbow).
- →Pain with motion warrants at least a minimum compensable rating under the applicable joint schedule.
- →If tendonitis affects multiple joints, each joint is rated separately under its own ROM schedule.
- →This is commonly claimed as secondary to repetitive use injuries, overuse, or as aggravated by gait changes from other service-connected conditions.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5024