VA Diagnostic Code 5222Three digits of one hand, favorable ankylosis of
Rated from 20% to 40% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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- 40%30% non-dominant
Thumb and any two fingers
- 30%20% non-dominant
Index, long, and ring; index, long, and little; or index, ring, and little fingers
- 20%20% non-dominant
Long, ring and little fingers
Favorable Ankylosis of Three Digits of One Hand (Diagnostic Code 5222)
VA Disability Ratings for Favorable Ankylosis of Three Fingers or Digits — Musculoskeletal System (38 CFR § 4.71a)
Understanding the Condition
Ankylosis refers to the stiffening or fixation of a joint, meaning the affected digits can no longer move freely. Under Diagnostic Code 5222, the VA evaluates favorable ankylosis of three digits of one hand. This condition falls under the Musculoskeletal System and is rated according to which three digits are affected and whether they are on your dominant or non-dominant hand.
Because losing motion in multiple digits can affect how you grip, hold, and use your hand, the VA assigns rating levels based on the specific combination of digits involved.
Available Rating Levels
The VA uses different percentages depending on which three digits are affected, and it distinguishes between the dominant (major) hand and the non-dominant (minor) hand.
| Rating (Dominant Hand) | Rating (Non-Dominant Hand) | Digits Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | 30% | Thumb and any two fingers |
| 30% | 20% | Index, long, and ring; index, long, and little; or index, ring, and little fingers |
| 20% | 20% | Long, ring, and little fingers |
What the VA Looks For
When rating under Diagnostic Code 5222, the VA considers:
- Which three digits are affected — specific combinations of the thumb and fingers correspond to different rating levels.
- Whether the affected hand is your dominant or non-dominant extremity — the non-dominant (minor) hand is generally assigned an equal or lower percentage for the same combination of digits.
- The presence of favorable ankylosis in three digits of one hand, as described in the rating criteria above.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a and is provided for general educational purposes.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5222. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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