---
title: "DC 5216 - Five digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of"
diagnostic_code: "5216"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5216-five-digits-of-one-hand-unfavorable-ankylosis-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:49:34.415940Z"
---

# DC 5216 - Five digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 60% | 50% | Five digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of |

## Notes

- Note: Also consider whether evaluation as amputation is warranted.

# Unfavorable Ankylosis of Five Digits of One Hand (VA Diagnostic Code 5216)

## Understanding This Condition

**Diagnostic Code 5216** covers *unfavorable ankylosis of all five digits of one hand*. This condition falls under the **Musculoskeletal System** and is rated under **§ 4.71a** of the VA's rating schedule.

"Ankylosis" refers to the stiffening or fusion of a joint, which limits or eliminates movement. When this affects all five digits of one hand in an **unfavorable** position, the hand's function is significantly impacted.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on which hand is affected — your **dominant** hand (the one you primarily use) or your **non-dominant** hand.

| Rating | Description | Dominant Hand | Non-Dominant Hand |
|--------|-------------|:-------------:|:-----------------:|
| Unfavorable ankylosis of five digits of one hand | The condition described by Diagnostic Code 5216 | **60%** | **50%** |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating this condition, the VA considers:

- **Whether all five digits of one hand show unfavorable ankylosis**, as described under Diagnostic Code 5216.
- **Which hand is affected** — the dominant (major) extremity is rated at 60%, while the non-dominant (minor) extremity is rated at 50%.
- **Whether an evaluation as amputation is warranted.** Per the VA's guidance, the rater will also consider whether the level of impairment is better addressed under the criteria used for amputation.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (§ 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5216) and is provided for general educational purposes. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of your case as evaluated by the VA.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a