---
title: "DC 5221 - Four digits of one hand, favorable ankylosis of"
diagnostic_code: "5221"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5221-four-digits-of-one-hand-favorable-ankylosis-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:51:09.782403Z"
---

# DC 5221 - Four digits of one hand, favorable ankylosis of

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50% | 40% | Thumb and any three fingers |
| 40% | 30% | Index, long, ring, and little fingers |

# Favorable Ankylosis of Four Digits of One Hand (VA Diagnostic Code 5221)

## Understanding This Condition

**Diagnostic Code 5221** covers *favorable ankylosis of four digits of one hand*. Ankylosis is the stiffening or fixation of a joint, meaning the affected digits can no longer move freely. "Favorable" ankylosis refers to a joint that is fixed in a more functional position compared to unfavorable ankylosis.

This condition falls under the **Musculoskeletal System** and is rated under **§ 4.71a** of the VA rating schedule.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on which combination of four digits is affected. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| **50%** | **40%** | Thumb and any three fingers |
| **40%** | **30%** | Index, long, ring, and little fingers |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating this condition, the VA considers:

- **Which four digits** of the hand are affected by favorable ankylosis — specifically, whether the combination includes the **thumb and any three fingers**, or the **index, long, ring, and little fingers**.
- **Whether the affected hand is your dominant or non-dominant (major or minor) extremity**, as this directly affects the assigned rating percentage.

Each situation is evaluated individually according to the criteria set out in the VA rating schedule.

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