VA Diagnostic Code 5218Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of
Rated from 30% to 50% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 50%40% non-dominant
Thumb and any two fingers
- 40%30% non-dominant
Index, long, and ring; index, long, and little; or index, ring, and little fingers
- 30%20% non-dominant
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 Three Digits of One Hand (Diagnostic Code 5218)
Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a
Understanding This Condition
Ankylosis refers to the stiffening or fixation of a joint, meaning the affected digits can no longer move freely. Under Diagnostic Code 5218, the VA addresses unfavorable ankylosis of three digits of one hand — a condition affecting hand function when three fingers (or a thumb and two fingers) become fixed in position.
Because hand use often depends on which hand is affected, the VA distinguishes between the dominant (major) hand and the non-dominant (minor) hand. Ratings for the non-dominant hand are listed separately below.
Available Rating Levels
The following rating levels apply under Diagnostic Code 5218:
| Rating (Dominant Hand) | Rating (Non-Dominant Hand) | Which Digits Are Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | 40% | Thumb and any two fingers |
| 40% | 30% | Index, long, and ring; index, long, and little; or index, ring, and little fingers |
| 30% | 20% | Long, ring, and little fingers |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating this condition, the VA considers:
- Which three digits are affected, since the combination of digits determines the applicable rating level.
- Whether the affected hand is the dominant or non-dominant extremity, as this changes the assigned percentage.
- Whether the ankylosis is unfavorable, which is the specific type of joint fixation addressed by this diagnostic code.
Additional Consideration
Note: The VA will also consider whether an evaluation as amputation is warranted, depending on the circumstances of the condition.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5218. Individual ratings depend on the specifics of your condition as evaluated by the VA.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5218. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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