How VA rates hand condition
There is no single hand-pain percentage. VA evaluates the affected structure and function under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DCs 5216–5230 for digit ankylosis/motion and 38 CFR § 4.73, DCs 5307–5309 for muscle injuries. Major (dominant) and minor hands differ for several codes.
Rating criteria from the tool data
| Rating | What VA looks for |
|---|---|
| Structure-specific | DCs 5216–5230: rate the affected digit(s), ankylosis pattern, and measured motion |
| 0–40% | DC 5307: wrist/finger flexor muscle injury, with major/minor differences |
| 0–30% | DC 5308: wrist/finger extensor muscle injury, with major/minor differences |
| 10% minimum | DC 5309: intrinsic hand muscle injury is rated on limitation of motion, minimum 10% |
DBQ and symptom topics to review
Review these topics against your own records and symptoms. Do not exaggerate or minimize; describe functional impact accurately.
- Moderate dominant-hand Muscle Group VII or VIII injury10%DC 5307/5308
- Severe dominant-hand Muscle Group VII injury40%DC 5307
- Severe dominant-hand Muscle Group VIII injury30%DC 5308
- Intrinsic hand Muscle Group IX injury rated on limitation of motion10%DC 5309 minimum 10%
What may happen in the exam room
- Identify dominant and nondominant hand
- Grip and pinch strength testing
- Finger opposition and dexterity testing
- Inspection for atrophy, scars, tendon, nerve, or joint involvement
- Repetitive grasp and manipulation
Measurements and findings to understand
- Grip strength compared with the opposite hand
- Specific affected fingers and joints
- Thumb opposition gap and fingertip-to-palm gap
- Extension lag
- Loss after repetitive use and during flare-ups
Questions the examiner may cover
- Which hand is dominant?
- Which tasks cause dropping, weakness, or loss of dexterity?
- Are numbness or nerve symptoms also present?
- How do repetition and flare-ups change grip?
Functional-impact language to think through
Use plain, truthful wording that matches your records and daily limitations. These examples are prompts for accuracy, not scripts.
- Describe specific tasks: tools, typing, buttons, jars, lifting, or carrying.
- State how often objects are dropped and why.
- Identify each affected finger rather than calling the whole hand painful.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not identifying the dominant hand
- Using a single hand percentage without the affected structure
- Omitting nerve symptoms or individual finger limitations
Evidence to organize before the exam
- Hand and Finger Conditions DBQ
- Muscle Injuries or Peripheral Nerves DBQ when applicable
- Grip-strength testing
- Imaging, surgery, and therapy records
Preparation notes
- Do not squeeze through pain to produce an artificially high grip value.
- Explain changes after repeated use, not only the first attempt.
DeLuca and flare-up notes
Painful use: Explain when pain, weakness, fatigability, or incoordination limits grasp and manipulation under 38 CFR §§ 4.40, 4.45, and 4.59.
Official rating source
38 CFR 4.71a and 4.73, DCs 5216-5230 and 5307-5309. Checked 2026-09-04. Educational preparation only; not a personal rating.