What is the least amount of loss of motion of a finger(s) that is considered rateable using the 1997 schedule?

The least amount of loss of motion of a finger(s) that is considered rateable using the 1997 schedule is "barely touching." In the context of the 1997 schedule, this indicates a measurable reduction in functionality that can still be recognized for its impact on the individual’s capacity to perform activities.

In workers' compensation claims, particularly relating to upper extremity injuries, any measurable loss of range of motion begins to have significance in the rating process. "Barely touching" implies that there is indeed some functional loss, albeit minimal. This distinction is crucial because it highlights that even small impairments in range of motion can be of consequence, as they may contribute to a larger assessment of overall disability or impairment.

The other scenarios—such as minimal flexing, complete loss, and full motion—do not align as effectively with the criteria for rateable motions under the schedule. Minimal flexing could suggest that motion is still present, complete loss represents a more significant impairment (beyond the threshold of "least"), and full motion indicates that there is no impairment at all. The key focus here is on recognizing even slight limitations as potentially significant in legal and medical evaluations of worker impairments.