Multiple Finger Ankylosis

DC 5216Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5216-5227

Complete fusion (ankylosis) of multiple fingers on the same hand, where two or more fingers are permanently fixed with no remaining motion. This severely impairs hand function and grip strength. The VA rates multiple finger ankylosis based on which fingers are affected, how many are involved, and whether it is the dominant or non-dominant hand.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 5216

Rating range

50% – 70%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5216-5227. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have unfavorable ankylosis of all five digits on your dominant hand. This is the maximum rating for multiple finger ankylosis and represents complete loss of hand function.

What the VA looks for

All five digits fused in non-functional positions (dominant hand)
Complete loss of hand function
Hand has no effective grip or pinch
May qualify for loss of use of the hand
Major occupational and daily living disability

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not identifying each affected finger individually — the rating depends on which specific fingers are ankylosed. The thumb, index, and middle fingers contribute more to hand function than the ring and little fingers, so different combinations yield different ratings.
⚠Not documenting dominant hand — ratings differ significantly between the major (dominant) and minor (non-dominant) hand for multiple finger ankylosis.
⚠Not requesting loss of use evaluation — if multiple finger ankylosis makes the hand effectively nonfunctional, you should be evaluated for loss of use of the hand with SMC.
⚠Overlooking individual finger ratings — depending on the combination of fingers affected, it may be more beneficial to rate each finger individually rather than under the combined code.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hand and Finger Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Multiple Finger Ankylosis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5216

Rating range

50% – 70%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have unfavorable ankylosis of all five digits on your dominant hand. This is the maximum rating for multiple finger ankylosis and represents complete loss of hand function.

What the VA looks for

All five digits fused in non-functional positions (dominant hand)
Complete loss of hand function
Hand has no effective grip or pinch
May qualify for loss of use of the hand
Major occupational and daily living disability

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not identifying each affected finger individually — the rating depends on which specific fingers are ankylosed. The thumb, index, and middle fingers contribute more to hand function than the ring and little fingers, so different combinations yield different ratings.

⚠Not documenting dominant hand — ratings differ significantly between the major (dominant) and minor (non-dominant) hand for multiple finger ankylosis.

⚠Not requesting loss of use evaluation — if multiple finger ankylosis makes the hand effectively nonfunctional, you should be evaluated for loss of use of the hand with SMC.

⚠Overlooking individual finger ratings — depending on the combination of fingers affected, it may be more beneficial to rate each finger individually rather than under the combined code.