Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a
Diagnostic Code 5147 covers loss of function or amputation of both your index finger and ring finger on the same hand. The VA rates this specific combination at 30%. This rating recognizes how losing these two particular fingers significantly impacts your hand function and grip strength for daily activities and work tasks.
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.