---
title: "DC 5222 - Three digits of one hand, favorable ankylosis of"
diagnostic_code: "5222"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5222-three-digits-of-one-hand-favorable-ankylosis-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:51:30.560797Z"
---

# DC 5222 - Three digits of one hand, favorable ankylosis of

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

## Rating criteria

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

# Favorable Ankylosis of Three Digits of One Hand (Diagnostic Code 5222)

**VA Disability Ratings for Favorable Ankylosis of Three Fingers or Digits — Musculoskeletal System (38 CFR § 4.71a)**

## Understanding the Condition

Ankylosis refers to the stiffening or fixation of a joint, meaning the affected digits can no longer move freely. Under Diagnostic Code 5222, the VA evaluates **favorable ankylosis of three digits of one hand**. This condition falls under the Musculoskeletal System and is rated according to which three digits are affected and whether they are on your dominant or non-dominant hand.

Because losing motion in multiple digits can affect how you grip, hold, and use your hand, the VA assigns rating levels based on the specific combination of digits involved.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA uses different percentages depending on which three digits are affected, and it distinguishes between the **dominant (major)** hand and the **non-dominant (minor)** hand.

| Rating (Dominant Hand) | Rating (Non-Dominant Hand) | Digits Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | 30% | Thumb and any two fingers |
| 30% | 20% | Index, long, and ring; index, long, and little; or index, ring, and little fingers |
| 20% | 20% | Long, ring, and little fingers |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating under Diagnostic Code 5222, the VA considers:

- **Which three digits are affected** — specific combinations of the thumb and fingers correspond to different rating levels.
- **Whether the affected hand is your dominant or non-dominant extremity** — the non-dominant (minor) hand is generally assigned an equal or lower percentage for the same combination of digits.
- **The presence of favorable ankylosis** in three digits of one hand, as described in the rating criteria above.

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a and is provided for general educational purposes.*

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