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Evidence checklist

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

DC 502438 CFR § 4.71aMusculoskeletal

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Hand surgery or orthopedic evaluation with Finkelstein testCritical

Examination documenting positive Finkelstein test (pain with ulnar deviation of the wrist while the thumb is grasped in the fist), tenderness over the first dorsal compartment, and any palpable thickening of the APL/EPB tendons at the radial styloid.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking De Quervain's tenosynovitis to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting your first dorsal compartment tenosynovitis to repetitive thumb/wrist military duties (weapons handling, equipment operation, gripping) or a specific in-service wrist injury.

Private provider · independent opinion
Wrist and thumb range of motion measurements

Documentation of wrist flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation, and thumb opposition and abduction in degrees, as pain-limited motion may support rating under the wrist or thumb schedule.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Diagnostic ultrasound of first dorsal compartment (if needed)

Ultrasound documenting tenosynovitis of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and/or extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons, including fluid in the tendon sheath and any anatomical variations (subcompartmentalization).

VA or private records · written request
Documentation of dominant vs. non-dominant hand

Medical records specifying which wrist/thumb is affected and which hand is dominant.

VA or private records · written request
Treatment records (splinting, corticosteroid injections, surgery)

Records documenting thumb spica splint use, corticosteroid injections into the first dorsal compartment sheath, and surgical first dorsal compartment release outcomes.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Hand and Finger ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing wrist and thumb range of motion, tendon findings, and functional limitations.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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