DC 5218Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71aLast verified: APR 22, 2026

Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of

The VA rates Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5218 across 4 severity levels, from 20% to 50%. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.

Also available: View rating schedule for DC 5218

Rating schedule — DC 5218 at a glance

Minimum rating
20%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
50%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
4

20%, 30%, 40%, 50%

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of?

RatingCriteria
20%

Long, ring, and little fingers; 30

30%

Index, long, and ring; index, long, and little; or index, ring, and little fingers; 40

40%

Thumb and any two fingers; 50

50%

Thumb and any two fingers; 40

Thumb and any two fingers; 50

Common Questions About Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of?

The VA rates Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5218 at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Long, ring, and little fingers; 30. The maximum 50% rating requires: Thumb and any two fingers; 40.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of?

The VA rates Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5218, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 20% and a 50% rating for Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of?

A 20% rating requires: Long, ring, and little fingers; 30. A 50% rating requires: Thumb and any two fingers; 40. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of qualify for TDIU?

Possibly. Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of?

The key evidence for Three digits of one hand, unfavorable 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 Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5218 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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