VASRD 5233 · Musculoskeletal System

Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers VA Disability Rating

Fusion or stiffness of the thumb and another finger limits ability to pinch, grip, or write.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
30%Thumb and finger stuck—hard to pick up or hold small objects.
20%Thumb and finger are stiff but you can still use your hand fairly well.

How the VA Evaluates Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers

Confirmed by imaging and loss of motion, plus evaluation of grip and opposition.

Approval rate

Moderate to high – especially if dominant hand affected.

Annual service-connected

4,100 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •X-rays or MRI showing joint immobility
  • •Grip testing showing significant loss
  • •C&P exam documenting real-life limitations
  • •Photos of hand deformity or positioning

Strategy Tips

  • •Use handwriting or tool grip impact as examples
  • •Submit video or photo proof of limited motion
  • •Request grip strength test from provider

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Insufficient description of impact on function
  • •No documentation of joint fixation
  • •Missing dominant hand reference

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Failing to highlight thumb involvement
  • •Not including impact on fine motor skills
  • •Only listing pain instead of ankylosis

Onset Patterns

  • •Often after injury to thumb and surrounding joints
  • •May follow arthritis or multiple surgeries

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Chronic Hand Pain

    Restricted motion puts pressure on surrounding joints.

  • Wrist Instability

    Impaired thumb use can lead to poor wrist control.

Common questions about Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers

Is Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers under VASRD diagnostic code 5233 (Musculoskeletal System). Fusion or stiffness of the thumb and another finger limits ability to pinch, grip, or write.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers?
Possible VA ratings for Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers are 30%, 20%. Examples: 30% — Thumb and finger stuck—hard to pick up or hold small objects.; 20% — Thumb and finger are stiff but you can still use your hand fairly well..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers?
The average awarded rating for Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers is 20%. Roughly 4,100 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate to high – especially if dominant hand affected..
What evidence helps prove Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers claim includes: X-rays or MRI showing joint immobility; Grip testing showing significant loss; C&P exam documenting real-life limitations; Photos of hand deformity or positioning.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers: Failing to highlight thumb involvement; Not including impact on fine motor skills; Only listing pain instead of ankylosis.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers include: Chronic Hand Pain, Wrist Instability. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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