VASRD 5232 · Musculoskeletal System

Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand) VA Disability Rating

Stiffness in multiple fingers that makes gripping or hand use difficult.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
20%Two stiff fingers that make it hard to grip or hold objects.
10%Two stuck fingers that limit motion but not your daily life much.

How the VA Evaluates Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand)

Diagnosis and imaging of joint fixation plus functional limitations (e.g., grasp, fine motor skills).

Approval rate

Moderate – increases if dominant hand or both middle and index involved.

Annual service-connected

8,800 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Hand function testing
  • •X-rays showing fixed joints
  • •C&P examiner documentation of daily impact

Strategy Tips

  • •Document finger coordination and grip loss
  • •Use therapist or occupational evaluations
  • •Describe real-life challenges like typing or tool use

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Failing to document which fingers are affected
  • •No proof of functional limitation
  • •Underreported pain or stiffness

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not specifying fingers involved
  • •Lack of combined impact evaluation
  • •Only submitting X-rays without function tests

Onset Patterns

  • •Common after severe hand trauma or multiple fractures
  • •May follow repetitive overuse or systemic disease

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Hand Osteoarthritis

    Stiff fingers can stress other joints.

  • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

    Strain from altered hand movement.

Common questions about Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand)

Is Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand) under VASRD diagnostic code 5232 (Musculoskeletal System). Stiffness in multiple fingers that makes gripping or hand use difficult.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand)?
Possible VA ratings for Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand) are 20%, 10%. Examples: 20% — Two stiff fingers that make it hard to grip or hold objects.; 10% — Two stuck fingers that limit motion but not your daily life much..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand)?
The average awarded rating for Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand) is 10%. Roughly 8,800 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – increases if dominant hand or both middle and index involved..
What evidence helps prove Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand) claim includes: Hand function testing; X-rays showing fixed joints; C&P examiner documentation of daily impact.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand): Not specifying fingers involved; Lack of combined impact evaluation; Only submitting X-rays without function tests.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand) include: Hand Osteoarthritis, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Ankylosis of Two or More Fingers (Same Hand) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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