---
title: "DC 5217 - Four digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of"
diagnostic_code: "5217"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5217-four-digits-of-one-hand-unfavorable-ankylosis-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:49:54.856813Z"
---

# DC 5217 - Four digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 60% | 50% | Thumb and any three fingers |
| 50% | 40% | Index, long, ring, and little fingers |

## Notes

- 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.

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