Diagnostic Code 5229: Index/Long Finger. Limitation of Motion Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 0% to 10%
- Rating levels
- 2
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Index/Long Finger. Limitation of Motion under diagnostic code 5229 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 5229 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | With a gap of less than one inch (2.5 cm.) between the fingertip and the proximal transverse crease of the palm, with the finger flexed to the extent possible, and extension is limited by no more than 30 degrees What raters look forgap of less than one inch; extension limited by no more than 30 degrees |
| 10% | With a gap of one inch (2.5 cm.) or more between the fingertip and the proximal transverse crease of the palm, with the finger flexed to the extent possible, or with extension limited by more than 30 degrees What raters look forgap of one inch or more; extension limited by more than 30 degrees |
DC 5229 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 689 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 5229 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 19.6%, denied 74.0% and sent 6.4% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
By the rating the Board's order named
Only orders that state a rating percentage with a date are counted. An order denying a rating "in excess of 50 percent" names the existing rating; a grant may name the rating awarded. These are not all ratings veterans requested.
| Rating the order named | Decided rulings | Granted |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | 109 | 52.3% |
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 5229 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 Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out.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 5229?
Diagnostic code 5229 is the VA rating schedule entry for Index/Long Finger. 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 5229?
DC 5229 provides ratings of 0%, 10%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5229 require?
The 10% rating for Index/Long Finger. Limitation of Motion requires: With a gap of one inch (2.5 cm.) or more between the fingertip and the proximal transverse crease of the palm, with the finger flexed to the extent possible, or with extension limited by more than 30 degrees.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 5229?
In 681 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 5229 from 2021 to 2026, 18.9% were granted, 74.6% denied and 6.5% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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