---
title: "DC 5228 - Thumb, limitation of motion"
diagnostic_code: "5228"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5228-thumb-limitation-of-motion"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:53:26.744376Z"
---

# DC 5228 - Thumb, limitation of motion

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20% | 20% | With a gap of more than two inches (5.1 cm.) between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers |
| 10% | 10% | With a gap of one to two inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm.) between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers |
| 0% | 0% | With a gap of less than one inch (2.5 cm.) between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers |

# Thumb, Limitation of Motion (VA Diagnostic Code 5228)

## Understanding This Rating

**Body System:** Musculoskeletal System
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.71a — Diagnostic Code 5228

Limitation of motion of the thumb affects how well the thumb can move and function — specifically, its ability to reach across the hand toward the fingers. The thumb plays a central role in gripping, pinching, and handling objects, so reduced motion can impact everyday activities.

Under this diagnostic code, the VA measures how far the thumb can move when it attempts to touch (oppose) the fingers. The rating is based on the size of the **gap between the thumb pad and the fingers** during this movement.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns one of the following disability ratings based on the measured gap. These ratings apply to both the dominant and non-dominant (minor) hand.

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **20%** | A gap of **more than two inches (5.1 cm)** between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers |
| **10%** | A gap of **one to two inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm)** between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers |
| **0%** | A gap of **less than one inch (2.5 cm)** between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers |

*For this diagnostic code, the rating percentages are the same whether the affected thumb is on the dominant or non-dominant (minor) extremity.*

## What the VA Looks For

When rating thumb limitation of motion under Diagnostic Code 5228, the VA focuses on:

- **The gap distance** between the thumb pad and the fingers when the thumb attempts to oppose (reach toward) the fingers.
- **The measurement** of that gap, expressed in inches and centimeters, which determines which of the three rating levels applies.

The larger the gap when the thumb tries to touch the fingers, the higher the assigned rating.

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