The right major index finger condition described—failing to clear the mid-palm on active flexion by 3/4 inch and a 25 percent weighted grip loss—what is the percentage of permanent disability?

• A. 2 percent
• B. 4 percent
• C. 7 percent
• D. 5 percent

Answer: (D)

In California SIP ratings for a major finger, you assess two things: a range-of-motion impairment for the finger and a grip-strength impairment, then combine them to get the total permanent disability. Failing to clear the mid-palm on active flexion by 3/4 inch shows a measurable ROM limitation of the index finger, while a 25 percent weighted grip loss signals a meaningful drop in hand function. These two impairment values are not simply added; they are combined using the Combined Values Chart to yield a single percentage of impairment. In this scenario, the ROM limitation and the grip loss combine to five percent permanent disability.