Amputation below the elbow (forearm) is rated at 60 to 80 percent under diagnostic codes 5123 to 5124 based on bone level and dominance.
Amputation of a thumb or finger is rated under diagnostic codes 5152 (thumb) and 5153-5156 (other fingers) based on the level of amputation and dominance.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is rated under diagnostic code 8515 as paralysis of the median nerve, from 10 to 70 percent based on severity and dominance.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is rated by analogy to limitation of wrist motion under diagnostic code 5215 at 10 percent.
Dupuytren's contracture is rated under the 38 CFR 4.71a codes for ankylosis or limitation of motion of the affected fingers: ankylosis of the ring or little finger (DC 5227) is 0 percent, ankylosis of the index or long finger (DC 5225 or 5226) is 10 percent, and contractures involving several fingers are rated under the multiple-digit ankylosis codes (DC 5216 to 5223), which run higher and distinguish the dominant hand.
A ganglion cyst is rated by analogy under 38 CFR 4.71a, usually diagnostic code 5215 (wrist, limitation of motion), which has a single compensable level of 10 percent for either hand. A higher rating requires a different basis, such as wrist ankylosis under DC 5214 or a separate rating for a painful or unstable scar after excision.
Mallet finger residuals are rated under 38 CFR 4.71a DC 5230 at 0 percent for residual loss of motion or by analogy when functional impairment is greater.
Trigger finger is rated under the 38 CFR 4.71a codes for limitation of motion or ankylosis of the affected digit: 0 percent for the ring or little finger (DC 5227, 5230), and 10 percent for ankylosis or a one-inch fingertip-to-palm gap in the index or long finger (DC 5225, 5226, 5229). Multiple affected fingers are rated under DC 5216 to 5223.
Wrist limitation of motion is rated under diagnostic code 5215 at 10 percent for either hand.