---
title: "DC 5219 - Two digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of"
diagnostic_code: "5219"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5219-two-digits-of-one-hand-unfavorable-ankylosis-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:50:34.272061Z"
---

# DC 5219 - Two digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | 30% | Thumb and any finger |
| 30% | 20% | Index and long; index and ring; or index and little fingers |
| 20% | 20% | Long and ring; long and little; or ring and little fingers |

## Notes

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

# Unfavorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand — VA Rating (Diagnostic Code 5219)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a · Diagnostic Code 5219*

## What This Condition Is

This rating covers **unfavorable ankylosis of two digits (fingers or thumb) of one hand**. Ankylosis means a joint has become stiff or fixed, limiting or preventing normal movement. "Unfavorable" describes ankylosis fixed in a position that interferes more significantly with hand function.

Because hand use often depends on which hand is affected, the VA schedule provides separate rating levels for the **dominant (major)** hand and the **non-dominant (minor)** hand.

## Available Rating Levels

The rating depends on **which two digits** are affected and whether the hand is your dominant or non-dominant extremity.

| Digits Affected | Dominant Hand | Non-Dominant Hand |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb and any finger | 40% | 30% |
| Index and long; index and ring; or index and little fingers | 30% | 20% |
| Long and ring; long and little; or ring and little fingers | 20% | 20% |

## What the VA Looks At

When applying this diagnostic code, the VA considers:

- **Which two digits are affected** — different combinations of the thumb and fingers correspond to different rating levels.
- **Whether the affected hand is your dominant or non-dominant extremity**, which can change the assigned percentage.
- **Whether evaluation as an amputation is warranted.** Per the rating notes, the VA also considers whether the loss of function is severe enough that rating the condition as an amputation would be more appropriate.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 5219. It is provided for general educational purposes and describes how this condition is structured in the rating schedule. Individual evaluations depend on your specific medical evidence and circumstances.*

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