Thumb, Limitation of Motion VA Disability Rating

VA Rating Tiers

How the VA Evaluates Thumb, Limitation of Motion

DC 5228 is a measurement code with three rows, identical in the major (dominant) and minor (non-dominant) columns. A gap of more than two inches (5.1 cm) between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers, is 20 percent. A gap of one to two inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) is 10 percent. A gap of less than one inch (2.5 cm) is 0 percent. Nothing else in the code moves the evaluation and hand dominance does not change it, so the examination has to record the opposition gap itself. A thumb that is fixed and does not move at all is ankylosis and is rated under DC 5224 instead.

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 Thumb, Limitation of Motion. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  Altered grip mechanics can stress wrist nerves.

• Tendonitis

  Stiff joints often overcompensate and strain surrounding tissues.

Common questions about Thumb, Limitation of Motion

Is Thumb, Limitation of Motion a VA-rated disability?

Yes. The VA rates Thumb, Limitation of Motion under VASRD diagnostic code 5228 (Musculoskeletal System). DC 5228 rates a thumb that still moves but cannot reach the fingers. The whole evaluation is one measurement: the gap left between the thumb pad and the fingers when the veteran tries to touch them. More than two i…

What VA disability rating can I get for Thumb, Limitation of Motion?

Possible VA ratings for Thumb, Limitation of Motion are 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 20%: When you try to touch your fingers with your thumb, more than two inches of gap is left.; 10%: One to two inches of gap is left when your thumb tries to reach your fingers.; 0%: Less than an inch of gap is left, which the schedule rat…

What's the typical VA rating awarded for Thumb, Limitation of Motion?

Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Thumb, Limitation of Motion at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 13,200 veterans are service-connected for Thumb, Limitation of Motion. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – better with imaging and functional proof.

What evidence helps prove Thumb, Limitation of Motion for VA disability?

Strong evidence for a Thumb, Limitation of Motion claim includes: A C&P or hand-specialist examination that records the thumb-to-finger opposition gap in inches or centimetres; Range-of-motion measurements of the thumb joints; Imaging or operative reports establishing the underlying thumb injury or arthritis; Occupati…

What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Thumb, Limitation of Motion?

Common pitfalls when filing for Thumb, Limitation of Motion: Claiming pain without functional impairment; No orthopedic confirmation; Failure to describe how it affects hand use.

What conditions are commonly secondary to Thumb, Limitation of Motion?

Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Thumb, Limitation of Motion include: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis. 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 5228)

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