VA Disability Rating for Amputation of the index and little fingers of one hand (DC 5148)

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

DC 5148 is an amputation code: it covers amputation of the index and little fingers of one hand. The VA rates it at 40% on the dominant (major) hand and 30% on the non-dominant (minor) hand under the multiple finger amputations table in 38 CFR 4.71a. If more than half of a metacarpal (hand) bone was also lost, 10 percentage points are added to the rating (added, not combined), but the result cannot exceed the rating for amputation of the forearm (38 CFR 4.71a, note (d) to the multiple finger amputation table).

Rating levels

  • 40% — If you've lost your index 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 index 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.

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