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🦴 MusculoskeletalUpper ExtremityDC 5229

Finger Condition / Finger Pain

Limitation of motion or chronic pain in one or more fingers due to fracture, dislocation, crush injury, or repetitive strain. Rated under DC 5229 (index finger) or DC 5230–5232 for other fingers, based on measured degrees of joint motion loss.

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VA Rating Tiers

20%
fused
10%
severe
10%
moderate
0%
mild
0%
Meets minimum criteria

Rating Notes

  • ›20%: Marked limitation of finger motion — significant flexion contracture or extension limitation. DC 5229.
  • ›10%: Moderate limitation — some loss of grip or functional use of affected finger(s). DC 5229.
  • ›0%: Mild limitation — service connected but non-compensable.
  • ›DC 5229: Index finger; DC 5230: Long (middle) finger; DC 5231: Ring finger; DC 5232: Little finger.
  • ›Each affected finger receives its own rating — multiple fingers are combined using the combined ratings table.
  • ›Favorable ankylosis (functional position) rates lower than unfavorable ankylosis.
  • ›Trigger finger (DC 5227) is a distinct condition — file separately if applicable.
  • ›Dominant hand ratings receive a 10% add-on under 38 CFR § 4.68.

Eligibility Basics

✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
  • •Finger conditions are rated by individual finger: DC 5229 (index), DC 5230 (long/middle), DC 5231 (ring), DC 5232 (little).
  • •Rating is based on measured degrees of motion loss at the PIP or DIP joint.
  • •Multiple injured fingers may each receive a separate rating — document each affected finger.
  • •Trigger finger is rated under DC 5227; hand grip weakness may be rated separately under DC 5155 by analogy.

Evidence to Gather

Service Records

  • •in-service records of finger fracture, dislocation, crush injury, or laceration
  • •sick call records documenting finger injury during service

Medical Evidence

  • •orthopedic or hand surgery records with ROM measurements of affected joints
  • •finger X-ray showing fracture residuals, arthritis, or deformity

Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)

  • •personal statement describing finger injury during service and current limitations

Diagnostic Tests

  • •finger X-ray
  • •goniometric ROM of PIP/DIP joints
  • •hand function assessment

C&P Exam Preparation

Exam type: Orthopedic / Hand and Finger DBQ

Be ready to describe

  • •which fingers are affected and how they were injured
  • •degree of stiffness — can you make a fist?
  • •impact on grip, pinch, and daily function

Prep notes

  • •Identify each affected finger clearly — they are rated separately.
  • •Demonstrate actual ROM — do not push through pain.
  • •Bring X-rays and any surgical records for finger repairs.

Quick Facts

Diagnostic Code
DC 5229
Category
Musculoskeletal
Subcategory
Upper Extremity
Typical Claim Type
direct
Rating Range
0% – 20%

Also Known As

finger conditionfinger painfinger injuryfinger limitation of motionfinger stiffnessbroken finger residualsfinger dislocationfinger fracture residualsPIP jointDIP jointmallet fingerboutonniere deformity
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