Thumb, long, ring and little (DC 5130)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code 5130 covers amputation or complete loss of use of your thumb plus your long finger (middle), ring finger, and little finger - basically four of your five fingers on one hand. This is a severe injury that gets a fixed rating percentage based on exactly which fingers are affected and whether it's your dominant or non-dominant hand. The VA doesn't use the usual 0-100% scale here - instead, they assign a specific percentage that reflects how much this particular combination of finger loss impacts your ability to work and perform daily activities.

Rating levels

70% — If you've lost your thumb, long, ring, and little fingers on your dominant hand, you receive a 70% rating. On the non-dominant hand the same amputation rates at 60%. VA treats the hand you write with as your "major" (dominant) hand; the other is your "minor" (non-dominant) hand, and ratings are 10% lower because loss of function on the non-dominant side is considered less disabling.
60% — If you've lost your thumb, long, ring, and little fingers on your non-dominant hand, you receive a 60% rating. On the dominant hand the same amputation rates at 70%. VA treats the hand you write with as your "major" (dominant) hand; the other is your "minor" (non-dominant) hand, and ratings are 10% lower because loss of function on the non-dominant side is considered less disabling.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.