Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a
This rating covers when three fingers on one hand are stuck in a fixed position due to ankylosis (joint fusion or severe stiffness) that limits their usefulness. The VA rates this condition from 20% to 50% depending on which specific fingers are affected, how important they are for hand function, and whether the affected hand is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) hand. The thumb gets the highest consideration since it is crucial for gripping, so losing your thumb plus any two fingers gets you 50% on the dominant hand or 40% on the non-dominant hand. Losing three fingers without the thumb typically rates 20% to 40%, with the higher number going to the dominant hand.
Rating levels
- 50% — Your thumb and any two fingers on one hand are completely stiff and cannot bend at the joints (unfavorable ankylosis means the joints are fused in a position that doesn't allow useful function). This creates significant limitations in your ability to grip, grasp, or manipulate objects with that hand.
- 40% — Your thumb and any two fingers on one hand are completely stiff and cannot bend or move at the joints (unfavorable ankylosis means the joints are fused in a bad position that makes the hand less useful). This applies when three specific digits - your thumb plus any combination of two other fingers - have lost all ability to flex or bend normally.
- 40% — You qualify for this rating if three specific fingers on one hand are permanently stuck in a bent or straight position and cannot move at the joints. The affected fingers must be either your index, middle, and ring fingers; your index, middle, and pinky fingers; or your index, ring, and pinky fingers. Unfavorable ankylosis means the fingers are fused in a position that significantly limits your ability to use your hand for gripping, grasping, or other normal hand functions.
- 30% — This rating applies when three specific fingers on one hand are stuck in a fixed position that makes it difficult to use your hand normally. The affected fingers must be either your index, middle, and ring fingers; your index, middle, and pinky fingers; or your index, ring, and pinky fingers. Unfavorable ankylosis means the fingers are fused or locked in a position that significantly limits your ability to grip, grasp, or perform fine motor tasks with that hand.
- 30% — Three fingers on one hand - specifically the long (middle), ring, and pinkie fingers - are completely stiff and cannot bend or move at the joints (unfavorable ankylosis means the joints are fused in a poor position that limits function). This creates significant difficulty with gripping, grasping, and performing fine motor tasks with that hand.
- 20% — Your long finger (middle finger), ring finger, and little finger are all stuck in a position that makes it hard or impossible to use your hand normally. Unfavorable ankylosis means these three fingers are frozen or fused in a bent or straight position that significantly limits your ability to grip, grasp, or perform everyday tasks with that hand.