Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Amputations
DC 5152 covers amputation of the thumb. The VA rates it by the level of the amputation: with metacarpal resection (part of the hand bone removed) 40% on the dominant hand and 30% on the non-dominant hand; at the metacarpophalangeal joint or through the proximal phalanx 30% dominant and 20% non-dominant; at the distal joint or through the distal phalanx 20% on either hand (38 CFR 4.71a).
Rating levels
- 40% — You qualify for this rating if your thumb was amputated and the surgeon also had to remove part or all of the metacarpal bone (the long bone in your hand that connects your thumb to your wrist). This is a more extensive amputation than just losing the thumb itself, because it involves removing the underlying hand bone as well.
- 30% — You qualify for this rating if your thumb was amputated and the surgeon also had to remove part or all of the metacarpal bone (the long bone in your hand that connects your thumb to your wrist). This is a more extensive amputation than just losing the thumb itself, because it involves removing the underlying hand bone as well.
- 30% — You qualify for this rating if your thumb was amputated (surgically removed) either at the knuckle where your thumb meets your hand (metacarpophalangeal joint) or anywhere through the bottom section of your thumb bone (proximal phalanx). This covers amputations from the thumb knuckle up to about halfway up your thumb.
- 20% — You qualify for this rating if your thumb was amputated (cut off) either at the knuckle where your thumb connects to your hand (metacarpophalangeal joint) or anywhere through the main bone section of your thumb (proximal phalanx). This covers amputations from the base knuckle of your thumb up to about the middle of your thumb's length.
- 20% — Your thumb has been amputated (cut off) at the tip joint or anywhere through the tip section of your thumb. This includes losing your thumb at the joint closest to your fingernail, or having any part of that final thumb segment removed.
- 20% — Your thumb has been amputated (cut off) at the tip joint or anywhere through the tip section of your thumb. This includes losing your thumb at the joint closest to your fingernail, or having any part of that final thumb segment removed.