Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Amputations
Amputation of index and ring fingers is rated under DC 5147 at 40% for the dominant (major) hand and 30% for the non-dominant (minor) hand, because the VA rates the dominant side higher.
Rating levels
- 40% — If you've lost your index and ring 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 index and ring 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.