VASRD 5227 · Musculoskeletal

Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger VA Disability Rating

The ring or pinky finger doesn’t move, but usually doesn’t interfere much with overall hand use.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
0%Stiff pinky or ring finger, but not usually rated unless it affects the whole hand.

How the VA Evaluates Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger

Must confirm immobility and describe hand functionality, but rarely meets compensable threshold.

Approval rate

Low – seldom awarded unless hand function broadly impacted.

Annual service-connected

3,000 veterans

Average rating

0%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Orthopedic exam showing range of motion loss
  • •Hand function test scores
  • •Therapy or surgical notes confirming chronic stiffness

Strategy Tips

  • •Pair with broader hand or nerve conditions
  • •Provide strong evidence of hand function loss
  • •Clarify how it affects dominant hand use

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Expecting compensation without proving functional impairment
  • •No evidence of how the stiffness affects tasks
  • •Failing to show that the finger is immobile

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Assuming all finger stiffness is ratable
  • •No functional limitation shown
  • •Omitting medical documentation

Onset Patterns

  • •Minor fracture with poor healing
  • •Arthritis in distal joints
  • •Chronic repetitive stress injury

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Grip Weakness

    Loss of supporting fingers in grip movement

  • Tendon Strain

    Strain on surrounding digits

  • Ulnar Nerve Irritation

    Altered finger movement patterns

Common questions about Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger

Is Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger under VASRD diagnostic code 5227 (Musculoskeletal). The ring or pinky finger doesn’t move, but usually doesn’t interfere much with overall hand use.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger?
Possible VA ratings for Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger are 0%. Examples: 0% — Stiff pinky or ring finger, but not usually rated unless it affects the whole hand..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger?
The average awarded rating for Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger is 0%. Roughly 3,000 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger each year. Typical approval likelihood: Low – seldom awarded unless hand function broadly impacted..
What evidence helps prove Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger claim includes: Orthopedic exam showing range of motion loss; Hand function test scores; Therapy or surgical notes confirming chronic stiffness.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger: Assuming all finger stiffness is ratable; No functional limitation shown; Omitting medical documentation.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger include: Grip Weakness, Tendon Strain, Ulnar Nerve Irritation. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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