VASRD 5226 · Musculoskeletal

Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger VA Disability Rating

The middle finger doesn’t move and is frozen in place, limiting hand use.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Middle finger is locked in a painful or awkward position.
0%Finger is stiff but doesn’t cause much issue.

How the VA Evaluates Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger

Must include proof of joint fixation and whether the position limits hand functionality.

Approval rate

Moderate if the ankylosis is unfavorable or limits hand use.

Annual service-connected

5,300 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Occupational therapy notes and grip test results
  • •Medical imaging confirming fixed position
  • •Orthopedic evaluation describing finger stiffness

Strategy Tips

  • •Document impact on daily tasks like typing or driving
  • •Include supporting imaging
  • •Mention ongoing treatment or surgery if applicable

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Insufficient detail about range of motion loss
  • •No clear evidence of how function is impacted
  • •Failing to specify finger position category

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Claiming without proof of fixation
  • •No functional limitation discussion
  • •Omitting imaging or provider documentation

Onset Patterns

  • •Repeated trauma or fracture
  • •Post-operative fusion
  • •Joint damage from arthritis or infection

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Hand Muscle Atrophy

    Reduced use of affected finger

  • Pain Syndrome

    Chronic discomfort from abnormal finger posture

  • Wrist Strain

    Compensatory stress on other hand structures

Common questions about Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger

Is Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger under VASRD diagnostic code 5226 (Musculoskeletal). The middle finger doesn’t move and is frozen in place, limiting hand use.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger?
Possible VA ratings for Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger are 10%, 0%. Examples: 10% — Middle finger is locked in a painful or awkward position.; 0% — Finger is stiff but doesn’t cause much issue..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger?
The average awarded rating for Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger is 10%. Roughly 5,300 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate if the ankylosis is unfavorable or limits hand use..
What evidence helps prove Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger claim includes: Occupational therapy notes and grip test results; Medical imaging confirming fixed position; Orthopedic evaluation describing finger stiffness.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger: Claiming without proof of fixation; No functional limitation discussion; Omitting imaging or provider documentation.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger include: Hand Muscle Atrophy, Pain Syndrome, Wrist Strain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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