VA Diagnostic Code 5217Four digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of
Rated from 50% to 60% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 60%50% non-dominant
Thumb and any three fingers
- 50%40% non-dominant
Index, long, ring, and little fingers
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: Also consider whether evaluation as amputation is warranted.
Unfavorable Ankylosis of Four Digits of One Hand (Diagnostic Code 5217)
Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a
Understanding This Condition
Ankylosis refers to the stiffening or fixation of a joint, where movement becomes limited or lost. Unfavorable ankylosis of four digits of one hand describes a condition in which four fingers of the same hand are fixed in a position that impairs the hand's function.
This diagnostic code addresses situations involving four digits of a single hand, and the rating depends on which four digits are affected.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability rating based on the specific combination of affected digits. Ratings differ depending on whether the affected hand is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity.
| Rating (Dominant Hand) | Rating (Non-Dominant Hand) | Digits Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 60% | 50% | Thumb and any three fingers |
| 50% | 40% | Index, long, ring, and little fingers |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating this condition, the VA considers:
- Which four digits are affected — whether the combination includes the thumb and three fingers, or the index, long, ring, and little fingers.
- Whether the affected hand is your dominant or non-dominant extremity, since this changes the assigned percentage.
- Whether an evaluation as amputation is warranted. Per the rating notes, the VA also considers whether the level of impairment should be rated as an amputation instead.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5217. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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