De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

DC 5024Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5024

Painful swelling of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, making it hard to grip, pinch, or turn the wrist. The VA rates based on limitation of wrist and thumb motion.

Rating Levels

You have severe limitation of wrist and thumb motion due to De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Your grip and pinch strength are substantially reduced, and you cannot perform most activities requiring fine motor control of the affected hand.

What the VA looks for

Severe limitation of wrist and thumb motion
Substantial reduction in grip and pinch strength
Inability to perform fine motor tasks
Chronic swelling and tenderness documented
Failed conservative treatment documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting specific range of motion measurements for the wrist and thumb.
⚠Not reporting the functional impact on grip strength and fine motor tasks.
⚠Not connecting to repetitive hand/wrist activities during service.
⚠If bilateral, file for each wrist separately.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hand and Finger Conditions
DBQ Wrist Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…