VA Disability Rating for Amputation of the thumb and ring finger of one hand (DC 5144)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Amputations

Diagnostic Code 5144 covers amputation of the thumb and the ring finger of one hand. It is an active code in the current rating schedule. The rating is fixed: 50% if it is your dominant hand and 40% if it is your non-dominant hand. These ratings apply when the digits are amputated at the middle knuckle (the proximal interphalangeal joint) or through the bone between that knuckle and the hand.

Rating levels

  • 50% — If you've lost your thumb and ring finger on your dominant hand, you receive a 50% rating. On the non-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.
  • 40% — If you've lost your thumb and ring finger on your non-dominant hand, you receive a 40% rating. On the dominant hand the same amputation rates at 50%. 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.

Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic (DC 5000)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5000.
Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive (DC 5001)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5001.
Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process (DC 5002)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5002.
Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic (DC 5003)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5003.
Arthritis, gonorrheal (DC 5004)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5004.