Purpose: A visual analogue scale was developed by French rheumatologists to measure the impact caused by rheumatoid arthritis of the hand (VAS-Hand). The aim of this paper is to report the usefulness and psychometric properties of the VAS-Hand in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Method and Materials: Eighteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis participated in multiple assessments of hand function. First, the validity of the VAS-Hand was investigated by interviewing patients to understand how they interpreted and answered it. Second, the VAS-Hand was compared with disability, pain, and impairment measures to determine whether it provided additional information. The repeatability of the measure was calculated, and its responsiveness to change caused by treatment was recorded.Observations: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can differentiate between problems caused by their hands and other effects of their disease. The visual analogue of handicap from rheumatoid arthritis of the hand provides different information than that obtained using health status or disability questionnaires, or strength and motion assessment. It is repeatable within 1.5 points out of 10. Finally, the responsiveness of the VAS-Hand has been shown in a longitudinal study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have undergone hand therapy, surgery, and medication changes.Relevance to Hand Therapy: The VAS-Hand allows patients to describe their function and participation in their own life within their own environment, aspects that are not included in clinical assessment of motion, strength, or dexterity. The VAS-Hand has potential for use with conditions other than rheumatoid arthritis. Purpose: A visual analogue scale was developed by French rheumatologists to measure the impact caused by rheumatoid arthritis of the hand (VAS-Hand). The aim of this paper is to report the usefulness and psychometric properties of the VAS-Hand in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Method and Materials: Eighteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis participated in multiple assessments of hand function. First, the validity of the VAS-Hand was investigated by interviewing patients to understand how they interpreted and answered it. Second, the VAS-Hand was compared with disability, pain, and impairment measures to determine whether it provided additional information. The repeatability of the measure was calculated, and its responsiveness to change caused by treatment was recorded. Observations: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can differentiate between problems caused by their hands and other effects of their disease. The visual analogue of handicap from rheumatoid arthritis of the hand provides different information than that obtained using health status or disability questionnaires, or strength and motion assessment. It is repeatable within 1.5 points out of 10. Finally, the responsiveness of the VAS-Hand has been shown in a longitudinal study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have undergone hand therapy, surgery, and medication changes. Relevance to Hand Therapy: The VAS-Hand allows patients to describe their function and participation in their own life within their own environment, aspects that are not included in clinical assessment of motion, strength, or dexterity. The VAS-Hand has potential for use with conditions other than rheumatoid arthritis.