VASRD 5224 · Musculoskeletal

Ankylosis of Thumb VA Disability Rating

The thumb is stuck in place and can’t move, which limits grip and fine motor tasks.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
30%Thumb can't move and is stuck in a bad position, causing major hand limits.
20%Thumb is frozen but not painfully so — still affects grip and precision.

How the VA Evaluates Ankylosis of Thumb

Must have medical evidence of immobility and loss of motion in specific position.

Approval rate

Moderate – especially if documented by orthopedic or hand specialist.

Annual service-connected

8,200 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Hand surgeon or orthopedist evaluation
  • •Grip strength test results
  • •Photos or documentation showing fixed thumb position

Strategy Tips

  • •Get a Nexus letter if secondary to hand trauma
  • •List how tasks like buttoning, writing, gripping are affected
  • •Clarify if thumb affects job or hobbies (e.g., typing, tools)

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No demonstration of functional loss
  • •Lack of position specificity (favorable vs unfavorable)
  • •Failure to compare with unaffected hand

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Claiming without medical evidence of ankylosis
  • •Not mentioning hand dominance or work impact
  • •Failing to differentiate favorable vs unfavorable position

Onset Patterns

  • •Result of untreated dislocation or fracture
  • •Long-term arthritis or post-surgical fusion
  • •Can develop after tendon rupture

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Arthritis in Wrist

    Overuse of wrist compensating for thumb

  • Tendonitis

    Constant strain on nearby muscles

  • Depression

    Loss of hand function affects quality of life

Common questions about Ankylosis of Thumb

Is Ankylosis of Thumb a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankylosis of Thumb under VASRD diagnostic code 5224 (Musculoskeletal). The thumb is stuck in place and can’t move, which limits grip and fine motor tasks.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosis of Thumb?
Possible VA ratings for Ankylosis of Thumb are 30%, 20%. Examples: 30% — Thumb can't move and is stuck in a bad position, causing major hand limits.; 20% — Thumb is frozen but not painfully so — still affects grip and precision..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosis of Thumb?
The average awarded rating for Ankylosis of Thumb is 20%. Roughly 8,200 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of Thumb each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – especially if documented by orthopedic or hand specialist..
What evidence helps prove Ankylosis of Thumb for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ankylosis of Thumb claim includes: Hand surgeon or orthopedist evaluation; Grip strength test results; Photos or documentation showing fixed thumb position.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of Thumb?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of Thumb: Claiming without medical evidence of ankylosis; Not mentioning hand dominance or work impact; Failing to differentiate favorable vs unfavorable position.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankylosis of Thumb?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of Thumb include: Arthritis in Wrist, Tendonitis, Depression. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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