Two fingers on one hand are locked in a position that limits hand function.
Medical records documenting a formal diagnosis of ankylosis in two specific digits of one hand are central to this rating. An examination report should identify which two digits are affected, which hand is involved, and whether that hand is your dominant or nondominant hand, since the rating differs between the two.
For the rating to reflect unfavorable ankylosis, the records should show the position of each ankylosed joint. Key exam findings include whether both the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of a digit are fixed, and — if only one joint is ankylosed — a measurement of the gap between the fingertip and the proximal transverse crease of the palm when you try to flex the finger. A gap greater than two inches supports an unfavorable rating; two inches or less supports a favorable one. X-ray or imaging findings showing bone rotation or angulation are also relevant.
Statements from you or people who know you describing how the stiffness limits gripping, pinching, writing, or other hand-dependent tasks can help show the functional impact the examiner should document.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
