VASRD 5229 · Musculoskeletal System
Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger VA Disability Rating
VA measures how far the fingertip stays from your palm when you curl the finger as far as it goes, and how far short of straight it stops. This code covers the index finger and the long (middle) finger.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | When you curl the finger as far as it goes, the tip still stays an inch or more off your palm - or it will not straighten to within 30 degrees. |
| 0% | The finger curls to within an inch of your palm and straightens most of the way - service-connectable, but evaluated at 0 percent. |
How the VA Evaluates Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger
38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5229 covers the index finger and the long (middle) finger together and prints two evaluations. Ten percent: a gap of one inch (2.5 cm.) or more between the fingertip and the proximal transverse crease of the palm, with the finger flexed to the extent possible, or extension limited by more than 30 degrees - either finding alone is enough. Zero percent: a gap of less than one inch (2.5 cm.) with the finger flexed to the extent possible, and extension limited by no more than 30 degrees - both must be true. The schedule prints the same figures for the dominant (major) and the non-dominant (minor) hand, and 10 percent is the highest evaluation this code produces. A finger that is fixed and cannot move is ankylosis, evaluated under DC 5225 (index) or DC 5226 (long finger). Limitation of motion of the ring or little finger is DC 5230, evaluated at 0 percent for any limitation of motion.
Approval outlook
Moderate - the evaluation is a measurement, so the claim turns on whether the exam records the fingertip-to-palm gap and the extension deficit.
Veterans service-connected
~14,700 veterans
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •A C&P or hand-specialist exam recording the fingertip-to-palm gap and the extension deficit
- •Treatment records for the underlying fracture, tendon injury or arthritis
- •Hand-therapy notes documenting pain on motion and function after repetitive use
- •Imaging of the affected digit
Strategy Tips
- •Ask that the exam record the gap between the fingertip and the proximal transverse crease of the palm with the finger flexed as far as it will go, in inches or centimetres.
- •Ask separately for the extension deficit in degrees. More than 30 degrees reaches 10 percent on its own, even if the flexion gap is under an inch.
- •Report pain on motion; § 4.59 supplies the minimum compensable evaluation for a painful joint.
- •If the finger is fixed rather than limited, say so - ankylosis of the index finger is DC 5225 and of the long finger DC 5226, both a flat 10 percent.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •No fingertip-to-palm measurement recorded, which is the primary finding this code uses.
- •The extension deficit omitted, which loses the second, independent route to 10 percent.
- •A finger described as ankylosed when it still moves, or as limited when it is fixed.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Expecting more than 10 percent for limitation of motion of a single index or long finger; DC 5229 prints no higher evaluation.
- •Assuming the non-dominant hand is worth less; this code pays the same in both columns.
- •Claiming the ring or little finger under this code - those are DC 5230, and any limitation of motion there is 0 percent.
Onset Patterns
- •Follows a fracture or tendon injury of the finger that heals with reduced flexion or extension
- •Develops with degenerative or inflammatory arthritis of the finger joints
- •Can follow surgery or infection involving the digit
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger
- Is Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger under VASRD diagnostic code 5229 (Musculoskeletal System). VA measures how far the fingertip stays from your palm when you curl the finger as far as it goes, and how far short of straight it stops. This code covers the index finger and the long (middle…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger?
- Possible VA ratings for Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger are 10%, 0%. Examples: 10%: When you curl the finger as far as it goes, the tip still stays an inch or more off your palm - or it will not straighten to within 30 degrees.; 0%: The finger curls to within an inch of your palm and straightens most…
- What evidence helps prove Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger claim includes: A C&P or hand-specialist exam recording the fingertip-to-palm gap and the extension deficit; Treatment records for the underlying fracture, tendon injury or arthritis; Hand-therapy notes documenting pain on motion and function after…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger: Expecting more than 10 percent for limitation of motion of a single index or long finger; DC 5229 prints no higher evaluation.; Assuming the non-dominant hand is worth less; this code pays the same in both columns.; Claiming the ring or…
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger include: Tendonitis, Wrist Strain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5229)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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