Tendonitis, inflammation or irritation of a tendon, is a common musculoskeletal condition among veterans, especially those who did heavy physical training, repetitive tasks, or sustained strain on joints during service. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes tendonitis as a disability if it can be connected to military service, and it awards compensation based on how much it limits your range of motion and function.
Here’s how tendonitis claims work, what you must prove, and how VA assigns disability ratings in 2026.
1. Tendonitis Can Be Compensable With Service Connection
To get VA disability benefits for tendonitis, you must first establish service connection, meaning your condition is linked to your military service. There are three main paths to do this:
Direct Service Connection
You need to show:
- A current medical diagnosis of tendonitis,
- An in-service event, injury, or physical strain that caused or worsened it, and
- A medical nexus opinion (often from a VA Compensation & Pension exam) linking the tendonitis to your service.
Secondary Service Connection
You can also qualify if tendonitis was caused or worsened by another already service-connected condition. For example, an altered gait due to a knee injury could lead to ankle tendonitis, and that link, if medically supported, may help you receive benefits under secondary service connection rules.
Service Connection by Aggravation
Even if you had tendonitis before service, you can receive VA benefits if military service significantly worsened the condition beyond normal progression.
2. VA Rates Tendonitis Under the Musculoskeletal System
Once service connection is established, the VA assigns a disability rating based on how severe your tendonitis is and how much it limits your motion and daily function. Tendonitis is typically evaluated under the Schedule of Ratings for the Musculoskeletal System (38 CFR § 4.71a) and the appropriate diagnostic codes for the joint involved.
Here’s how ratings generally work for some common types of tendonitis:
Shoulder Tendonitis
- Rated under codes like 5200–5203 based on range of motion.
- Ratings can range from 20% up to 50% for the dominant extremity (arm) when motion is significantly restricted.
Elbow Tendonitis
- VA may use diagnostic codes like 5206–5208 for flexion/extension limitations.
- Ratings vary from 0% to 50% based on how much movement is restricted and whether it’s the dominant arm.
Ankle and Achilles Tendonitis
- Rated under codes like 5270–5271, assessing ankle movement limitations.
- Typical ratings include 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40%, depending on the degree of motion restriction and deformity.
Wrist Tendonitis and Other Locations
- Smaller joints like the wrist are also rated by limited motion and functional loss.
- Often these start at 10% if the limitation interferes with use.
In many cases, the bilateral factor applies if tendonitis affects paired joints (e.g., both ankles or both shoulders), potentially raising your combined rating by 10%.
3. Pain and Functional Loss Matter Too
It’s not just the measurable range of motion VA looks at. The VA’s rating process also considers painful motion, flare-ups, weakness, fatigue, and functional loss, especially if they limit daily activities or ability to work. For example, persistent pain that prevents you from lifting, walking, or using tools can support a higher rating.
A veteran advocate explains:
“Even if range-of-motion measurements seem moderate during an exam, consistent real-world pain and flare-ups that limit use can justify a compensable rating.” Veterans benefits specialist
4. Total Disability (TDIU) Is Possible in Severe Cases
While tendonitis alone rarely reaches a 100% schedular rating, you could still qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if your service-connected tendonitis along with other disabilities prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment. To be eligible for TDIU, you generally need:
- One service-connected condition rated at 60% or more, or
- A combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one disability rated 40% or above.
Tendonitis can be part of that combined disability picture if it significantly impacts your ability to work in your field.
5. Evidence Is Key: Documentation Makes the Difference
For a successful tendonitis claim, strong evidence is crucial:
Medical Records
Recent diagnoses, imaging, physical therapy notes, and ongoing treatment records showing pain and functional limitations help establish the severity of your condition.
Service Records
Include records of injuries, training logs, fitness tests, incident reports, or any documentation showing repeated strain or specific events during service.
Medical Nexus
A doctor’s opinion stating that your tendonitis is “at least as likely as not” connected to your service (or another service-connected condition) is essential.
Functional Statements
Your own description of how tendonitis affects daily activities, work tasks, sleep, or chores strengthens your claim.
How to File a Tendonitis Disability Claim?
To start a claim for tendonitis:
- Gather all medical and service records showing diagnosis and link to service.
- File VA Form 21-526EZ online at VA.gov or with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
- Attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam if the VA schedules one.
- Track your claim and respond to VA requests for additional evidence or exams.
If your claim is denied or you receive a low rating, you can appeal using the Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board of Veterans’ Appeals pathways.
Final Thoughts
Tendonitis is a recognized VA disability that can earn you tax-free monthly compensation when you demonstrate a clear connection to your military service. By understanding how the VA evaluates tendonitis from establishing service connection to documenting severity and functional loss you can build a stronger claim.
Strong medical evidence, detailed service records, and a solid nexus opinion are the foundation of a successful claim. If you’re unsure where to start, reaching out to a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or accredited representative can help you navigate the VA process and improve your chances of getting the benefits you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tendonitis alone get VA disability compensation?
Yes. Tendonitis can qualify for VA disability benefits if you can prove a service connection. It’s not limited to other injuries.
How high can tendonitis be rated?
Ratings vary by joint and severity, with some tendonitis claims reaching up to 50% for major joints like the shoulder, and 40% for joints like the ankle.
What if my tendonitis is caused by another service-connected condition?
You can file it as a secondary service connection, so long as medical evidence links the two conditions.
Does the VA look at pain and flare-ups?
Yes. The VA considers painful motion, flare-ups, and functional loss, not just measurable motion limits, when assigning ratings.
Can I get TDIU for tendonitis?
Possibly, if your combined disability profile meets TDIU criteria and your condition prevents substantially gainful employment.
