Skip to main content

Evidence checklist

Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)

DC 522938 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 documenting triggeringCritical

Examination documenting the affected finger(s), presence of a palpable nodule, locking in flexion, pain at the A1 pulley, and range of motion of the finger(s). VA rates trigger finger under DC 5230 or as limitation of motion of the affected digit.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking trigger finger to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting your trigger finger to repetitive gripping, tool use, or traumatic flexor tendon injury during military service.

Private provider · independent opinion
Finger range of motion measurementsCritical

Documentation of flexion and extension of the MCP, PIP, and DIP joints of the affected finger, including any fixed flexion contracture or inability to fully extend.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

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

Medical records specifying which hand is affected and which is dominant, as this affects the rating under the VA schedule.

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

Records documenting injection therapy into the tendon sheath, finger extension splinting, and operative trigger finger release (A1 pulley release).

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, triggering 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

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.