VA Diagnostic Code 5220Five digits of one hand, favorable ankylosis of
A single 50% rating under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires for it.
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- 50%40% non-dominant
Five digits of one hand, favorable ankylosis of
Favorable Ankylosis of Five Digits of One Hand (Diagnostic Code 5220)
Understanding This Condition
Diagnostic Code 5220 covers favorable ankylosis of all five digits of one hand. This condition falls under the Musculoskeletal System and is rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a.
Ankylosis refers to the stiffening or fixation of a joint, meaning the affected digits are no longer able to move freely. "Favorable" ankylosis describes a specific fixed position of the joints. In this diagnostic code, the condition affects all five digits (the thumb and four fingers) of a single hand.
Available Rating Levels
The VA rating for this condition depends on whether the affected hand is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity:
| Rating | Condition | Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | Favorable ankylosis of five digits of one hand | Dominant (major) |
| 40% | Favorable ankylosis of five digits of one hand | Non-dominant (minor) |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating a claim under Diagnostic Code 5220, the VA considers:
- Favorable ankylosis affecting all five digits of one hand
- Which hand is affected — the rating differs depending on whether the condition involves your dominant or non-dominant hand
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. It is not legal advice, and it does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome. Every claim is evaluated based on individual medical evidence and circumstances.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5220. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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