VASRD 5225 · Musculoskeletal

Ankylosis of the Index Finger VA Disability Rating

A condition where the index finger can’t move and stays locked in one position.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Your index finger is stuck in a bad position and limits hand use.
0%Finger is stuck but in a way that doesn’t cause much trouble.

How the VA Evaluates Ankylosis of the Index Finger

Requires medical evidence showing immobility and positioning of the index finger.

Approval rate

Low to moderate – stronger claims with surgery or trauma records.

Annual service-connected

6,700 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Doctor’s documentation of ankylosis and finger position
  • •Functional tests showing loss of grip strength
  • •Hand therapy notes or occupational impairment records

Strategy Tips

  • •Include examples like keyboarding or tool use difficulty
  • •Get imaging showing the joint lock
  • •Clarify hand dominance and daily use impact

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not clarifying if the ankylosis is favorable or unfavorable
  • •Ignoring how it affects dominant hand use
  • •Minimal documentation of functional impairment

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Assuming all finger stiffness qualifies
  • •Lack of medical proof of fixed positioning
  • •Not describing work or activity limitations

Onset Patterns

  • •Post-injury fusion or severe arthritis
  • •Tendon damage with surgical outcome
  • •Occupational trauma over time

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Ankylosis of the Index Finger. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Tendonitis

    Overcompensation by other fingers

  • Carpal Tunnel

    Altered hand posture from stiff finger

  • Depression

    Frustration from hand dysfunction

Common questions about Ankylosis of the Index Finger

Is Ankylosis of the Index Finger a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankylosis of the Index Finger under VASRD diagnostic code 5225 (Musculoskeletal). A condition where the index finger can’t move and stays locked in one position.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Index Finger?
Possible VA ratings for Ankylosis of the Index Finger are 10%, 0%. Examples: 10% — Your index finger is stuck in a bad position and limits hand use.; 0% — Finger is stuck but in a way that doesn’t cause much trouble..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosis of the Index Finger?
The average awarded rating for Ankylosis of the Index Finger is 10%. Roughly 6,700 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of the Index Finger each year. Typical approval likelihood: Low to moderate – stronger claims with surgery or trauma records..
What evidence helps prove Ankylosis of the Index Finger for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ankylosis of the Index Finger claim includes: Doctor’s documentation of ankylosis and finger position; Functional tests showing loss of grip strength; Hand therapy notes or occupational impairment records.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of the Index Finger?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of the Index Finger: Assuming all finger stiffness qualifies; Lack of medical proof of fixed positioning; Not describing work or activity limitations.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankylosis of the Index Finger?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Index Finger include: Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel, Depression. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Ankylosis of the Index Finger combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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