Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand VA Disability Rating

VA Rating Tiers

How the VA Evaluates Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand

DC 5223 has three rating rows, each with a major (dominant) and a minor (non-dominant) value. The thumb and any finger is 30 percent major and 20 percent minor. The index finger with the long, ring or little finger is 20 percent in both columns. Long and ring, long and little, or ring and little is 10 percent in both columns. So the record has to establish which two digits are ankylosed, that the position is favorable rather than unfavorable - unfavorable ankylosis of the same two digits is DC 5219, which pays 10 percent more on every row except one: an index-finger pair on the non-dominant hand is 20 percent under both codes, so for that combination the favorable/unfavorable finding does not change the evaluation - and which hand is dominant. Where three, four or five digits are ankylosed favorably, the evaluation moves up the table to DC 5222, 5221 or 5220.

Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand. 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 Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand

Is Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand a VA-rated disability?

Yes. The VA rates Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand under VASRD diagnostic code 5223 (Musculoskeletal System). DC 5223 covers two digits of the same hand ankylosed in a favorable position, most often the thumb and one finger. It is the favorable counterpart of DC 5219 and pays 10 percent less on every row…

What VA disability rating can I get for Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand?

Possible VA ratings for Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand are 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 30%: Your thumb and one finger on your dominant hand are both fused, in a favorable position.; 20%: The same thumb-and-finger combination on your non-dominant hand, or the index finger plus one other finger on either han…

What's the typical VA rating awarded for Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand?

Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 4,100 veterans are service-connected for Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate to high – especially i…

What evidence helps prove Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand for VA disability?

Strong evidence for a Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand claim includes: Imaging confirming ankylosis of each digit claimed, not only of the hand generally; An examination that names which two digits are ankylosed and the position each is fixed in, since favorable and unfavorable ankylosis are separate code…

What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand?

Common pitfalls when filing for Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand: Failing to highlight thumb involvement; Not including impact on fine motor skills; Only listing pain instead of ankylosis.

What conditions are commonly secondary to Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand?

Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Favorable Ankylosis of Two Digits of One Hand include: Chronic Hand Pain, Wrist Instability. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Official sources

1. 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5223)

Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.