---
title: "DC 5220 - Five digits of one hand, favorable ankylosis of"
diagnostic_code: "5220"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5220-five-digits-of-one-hand-favorable-ankylosis-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:50:53.025984Z"
---

# DC 5220 - Five digits of one hand, favorable ankylosis of

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50% | 40% | 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.*

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