VASRD 5229 · Musculoskeletal System

Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) VA Disability Rating

Ankylosis means the index finger is stuck and can't bend or straighten properly.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Index finger stuck in a position that limits hand use.
0%Stiff index finger but doesn’t affect hand function much.

How the VA Evaluates Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor)

Orthopedic exam or imaging showing fixed joint or lack of motion.

Approval rate

Moderate – better with proof of functional impact.

Annual service-connected

14,700 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •X-ray or MRI showing joint fixation
  • •Functional hand tests
  • •VA C&P exam with grip loss
  • •Occupational therapy documentation

Strategy Tips

  • •Use hand strength or dexterity tests
  • •Include imaging and therapy records
  • •Describe how it limits tools or tasks

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No imaging provided
  • •Lack of proof of functional loss
  • •Misdiagnosed as arthritis or tendon issue

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Claiming stiffness without functional documentation
  • •Missing imaging
  • •Vague description of daily impact

Onset Patterns

  • •Often follows trauma or surgery
  • •May develop from chronic joint inflammation

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Tendonitis

    Loss of motion can cause overuse of surrounding tendons.

  • Wrist Strain

    Compensatory motion can lead to overuse injuries.

Common questions about Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor)

Is Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) under VASRD diagnostic code 5229 (Musculoskeletal System). Ankylosis means the index finger is stuck and can't bend or straighten properly.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor)?
Possible VA ratings for Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) are 10%, 0%. Examples: 10% — Index finger stuck in a position that limits hand use.; 0% — Stiff index finger but doesn’t affect hand function much..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor)?
The average awarded rating for Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) is 10%. Roughly 14,700 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – better with proof of functional impact..
What evidence helps prove Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) claim includes: X-ray or MRI showing joint fixation; Functional hand tests; VA C&P exam with grip loss; Occupational therapy documentation.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor): Claiming stiffness without functional documentation; Missing imaging; Vague description of daily impact.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) include: Tendonitis, Wrist Strain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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