Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a
This rating covers when four fingers on one hand are locked in a bad position (unfavorable ankylosis). The VA rates it from 40% to 60% depending on which fingers are affected and whether the affected hand is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) hand. Thumb plus any three fingers rates 60% on the dominant hand or 50% on the non-dominant hand. All four fingers without the thumb (index, long, ring, little) rates 50% on the dominant hand or 40% on the non-dominant hand. Losing thumb function adds more disability than losing the four fingers alone.
Rating levels
- 60% — Your thumb and any three fingers on one hand are completely stiff and cannot bend or move at the joints (ankylosis means the joints are fused or locked in place). The fingers are stuck in a position that makes it very difficult to use your hand for grasping, gripping, or fine motor tasks.
- 50% — Your thumb and any three of your other fingers on one hand are completely stiff and locked in place (unfavorable ankylosis means the joints are fused in a position that makes it very difficult or impossible to use your hand normally). This severely limits your ability to grip, grasp, or perform fine motor tasks with that hand.
- 50% — You qualify for this rating if you have unfavorable ankylosis (stiff, immovable joints that are stuck in a poor position) in all four fingers of one hand - your index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. The joints in these fingers must be completely frozen in positions that significantly limit your ability to use your hand for gripping, grasping, or other normal hand functions.
- 40% — This rating applies when all four fingers on one hand - the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger - are stuck in a position that makes them difficult or impossible to use effectively. Ankylosis means the finger joints have become stiff and immovable, and "unfavorable" means they're stuck in a bent or awkward position that significantly limits your ability to grip, grasp, or use that hand for daily activities.