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Evidence checklist

Dupuytren's Contracture

DC 5299-521938 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 evaluation documenting Dupuytren's contracture severityCritical

Examination documenting palmar fascia cord palpability, affected finger(s), metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contracture degrees, and the Tubiana staging. VA rates under limitation of motion of the affected digits.

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

A medical opinion connecting your palmar fibromatosis to military service, including repetitive manual labor, vibrating tools, or trauma to the hand during service.

Private provider · independent opinion
Finger range of motion measurements (flexion/extension for each affected digit)Critical

Goniometric measurements documenting the degree of fixed flexion contracture and any residual extension deficit at the MCP and PIP joints of each affected finger.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Documentation of dominant vs. non-dominant hand

Medical records specifying which hand is predominantly affected and which hand is dominant.

VA or private records · written request
Treatment records (Xiaflex injection, needle aponeurotomy, fasciectomy)

Records documenting collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) injections, percutaneous needle fasciotomy, or surgical partial/total fasciectomy and 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 finger range of motion, contracture degree, affected digits, 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

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