VASRD 5230 · Musculoskeletal System

Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger VA Disability Rating

A stiff or frozen middle finger that can’t move or bend like normal.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Middle finger stuck and reduces grip strength.
0%Finger stuck but doesn't interfere much with daily use.

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

Confirmed through imaging and loss of range-of-motion testing.

Approval rate

Low to moderate – stronger with occupational proof of impact.

Annual service-connected

10,300 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Orthopedic evaluation
  • •Strength or dexterity tests
  • •Hand therapy documentation
  • •Photos or imaging of deformity

Strategy Tips

  • •Get detailed functional testing results
  • •Photograph and document hand changes
  • •Explain how it affects work or tools

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No documentation of impact on grip
  • •Only subjective symptom reports
  • •Lack of C&P exam correlation

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Omitting function-based evidence
  • •No X-ray or hand tests
  • •Filing as general joint pain instead of ankylosis

Onset Patterns

  • •Common after fractures or tendon rupture
  • •May worsen over time without treatment

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Grip Weakness

    Middle finger plays a key role in grasping.

  • Neuropathy

    Fixed joint can irritate nearby nerves.

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 5230 (Musculoskeletal System). A stiff or frozen middle finger that can’t move or bend like normal.
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 stuck and reduces grip strength.; 0% — Finger stuck but doesn't interfere much with daily use..
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 10,300 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger each year. Typical approval likelihood: Low to moderate – stronger with occupational proof of impact..
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: Orthopedic evaluation; Strength or dexterity tests; Hand therapy documentation; Photos or imaging of deformity.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of the Long (Middle) Finger: Omitting function-based evidence; No X-ray or hand tests; Filing as general joint pain instead of ankylosis.
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: Grip Weakness, Neuropathy. 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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