VA Disability Rating for Amputation of the long and little fingers of one hand (DC 5150)

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

Diagnostic Code 5150 covers amputation of two fingers on one hand: the long (middle) finger and the little finger. The rating is fixed: 30% if it is your dominant hand and 20% if it is your non-dominant hand. These ratings apply when the fingers are amputated at the middle knuckle (the proximal interphalangeal joint) or through the bone between that knuckle and the hand.

Rating levels

  • 30% — If you've lost your long and little fingers on your dominant hand, you receive a 30% rating. On the non-dominant hand the same amputation rates at 20%. 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.
  • 20% — If you've lost your long and little fingers on your non-dominant hand, you receive a 20% rating. On the 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.

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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