DC 5226Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71a

Long finger, ankylosis of

The VA rates Long finger, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5226 at a single 10% level. With a cap of 10%, most veterans pursue secondary conditions to increase their combined rating.

Rating schedule — DC 5226 at a glance

Minimum rating
10%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
10%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
1

10%

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Long finger, ankylosis of?

RatingCriteria
10%

Unfavorable or favorable; 10

Unfavorable or favorable; 10

Common Questions About Long finger, ankylosis of VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Long finger, ankylosis of?

The VA rates Long finger, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5226 at 10%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Unfavorable or favorable; 10. The maximum 10% rating requires: Unfavorable or favorable; 10.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Long finger, ankylosis of?

The VA rates Long finger, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5226, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

Can Long finger, ankylosis of qualify for TDIU?

Long finger, ankylosis of maxes at 10%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Long finger, ankylosis of?

The key evidence for Long finger, ankylosis of is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.

What happens at the C&P exam for Long finger, ankylosis of?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5226 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.

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