Diagnostic Code 5228: Thumb. Limitation of Motion Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 0% to 20%
- Rating levels
- 3
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Thumb. Limitation of Motion under diagnostic code 5228 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5228 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | With a gap of less than one inch (2.5 cm.) between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers What raters look forgap of less than one inch |
| 10% | With a gap of one to two inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm.) between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers What raters look forgap of one to two inches |
| 20% | With a gap of more than two inches (5.1 cm.) between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers What raters look forgap of more than two inches |
DC 5228 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 514 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 5228 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 21.2%, denied 69.3% and sent 9.5% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 5228 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5228?
Diagnostic code 5228 is the VA rating schedule entry for Thumb. Limitation of Motion, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5228?
DC 5228 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 20%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5228 require?
The 20% rating for Thumb. Limitation of Motion requires: With a gap of more than two inches (5.1 cm.) between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 5228?
In 511 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 5228 from 2021 to 2026, 20.9% were granted, 69.5% denied and 9.6% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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