Hand and Finger Conditions

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960M-6 (Hand and Finger Conditions DBQ) after examining you. This walkthrough helps you prepare them. The DBQ is a standardized questionnaire; your doctor's answers directly determine your VA rating. Brief them on these specific points before the exam so nothing important is missed or underdocumented.

Common mistakes

• ×Asking your doctor to just "fill out the VA form" without briefing them - an uninformed completion is often generic and leads to lower ratings.
• ×Bringing the DBQ to a provider who has never seen you before - your treating physician who knows your history will write the most credible documentation.
• ×Going to the exam and waiting for the doctor to ask questions - come prepared with specific examples of your worst days and functional limitations.

These are the key clinical questions from the Hand and Finger Conditions DBQ. Help your doctor understand what each question is asking and give them concrete examples for your situation. Print this section and bring it to the appointment. 1. What is the grip strength in each hand? WHY IT MATTERS: Grip strength loss documents functional impairment and supports higher ratings TIPS: Report honestly - do not try to demonstrate maximum grip if it causes pain; Note activities where grip weakness is a problem 2. What is the range of motion of each affected finger? WHY IT MATTERS: Individual finger motion limitations are rated based on specific ROM measurements TIPS: Each finger is tested separately; Report pain at the start of movement, not the end 3. What is the gap measurement between fingertip and palm during flexion? WHY IT MATTERS: The gap distance (how close you can make a fist) is a key rating measurement TIPS: Do not force your fingers closed if it causes pain; A gap of 1 inch or more supports a compensable rating 4. How does the hand/finger condition affect daily activities and work? WHY IT MATTERS: Functional impact on gripping, writing, typing, and manipulating objects affects the overall disability picture TIPS: Describe specific tasks that are difficult or impossible; Mention dropping objects, difficulty with buttons, etc.

Common mistakes

• ×Not realizing each finger can be rated separately
• ×Failing to identify dominant vs non-dominant hand for proper rating percentages
• ×Forcing a fist closed during the gap measurement test

VA raters use the Hand and Finger Conditions DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Range of motion limitation of individual fingers 2. Gap between fingertip and proximal transverse crease of palm 3. Whether there is ankylosis (complete fixation) of any fingers 4. Which fingers are affected and whether it is the dominant hand 5. Combined effect of multiple finger disabilities 6. Grip strength and functional impairment For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Not reporting all affected fingers - claiming only the worst one

Authority

• 38 CFR 4.1 - Functional impairment as the basis for rating.

Preparation checklist for the Hand and Finger Conditions DBQ exam: 1. Know which is your dominant hand and confirm it with the examiner 2. Describe specific daily tasks affected: writing, typing, buttoning clothes, opening jars 3. Do not take pain medication before the exam if safely possible 4. If multiple fingers are affected, make sure each one is examined and documented 5. Bring any hand splints or adaptive devices you use Remember: Describe your WORST days, not your average days. VA raters evaluate the full range of your disability including its worst manifestations.

Common mistakes

• ×Describing your best days or average functioning instead of your worst - VA rates the full range of disability.
• ×Minimizing symptoms out of stoicism or pride - accurate documentation is not exaggeration; it is honesty.
• ×Not mentioning secondary symptoms, side effects, or additional conditions the doctor may not ask about.