Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)

DC 5228Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5228

A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then snaps straight, caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath. The VA rates trigger finger based on the gap between your fingertip and palm when you try to make a fist.

Rating Levels

You have trigger finger with a gap of one inch (2.5 cm) or more between the fingertip and the palm when you try to bend it fully, or your finger extension is limited by more than 30 degrees.

What the VA looks for

Gap of 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more between fingertip and palm
Extension limited by more than 30 degrees
Finger locking or catching on examination
Pain on finger movement documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not having the C&P examiner measure the exact gap between your fingertip and palm — the rating depends on this specific measurement.
⚠Not documenting how many fingers are affected — each finger can be rated separately, and multiple trigger fingers are combined.
⚠Not filing for multiple affected fingers individually — if you have trigger finger in more than one finger, each should be claimed as a separate condition.
⚠Not connecting trigger finger to service-related activities — repetitive gripping, tool use, and weapon handling during service are common causes.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hand and Finger Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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