Long, ring and little (DC 5141)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code 5141 covers conditions affecting your long finger (middle), ring finger, and little finger together as a group. This code appears to be incomplete in the current CFR, as it only shows a 30% rating without specific criteria. The VA typically rates finger conditions based on how much function you've lost - things like grip strength, range of motion, and your ability to use your hand for daily tasks.

Rating levels

  • 40% — If you've lost your long, ring, and little fingers on your dominant hand, you receive a 40% rating. On the non-dominant hand the same amputation rates at 30%. 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.
  • 30% — If you've lost your long, ring, and little fingers on your non-dominant hand, you receive a 30% rating. On the dominant hand the same amputation rates at 40%. 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.