VA Diagnostic Code 5123Above insertion of pronator teres
A single 80% rating under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires for it.
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- 80%70% non-dominant
Above insertion of pronator teres
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation.
Amputation of the Forearm, Above Insertion of Pronator Teres (Diagnostic Code 5123)
Understanding This Condition
Diagnostic Code 5123 falls under the VA's Musculoskeletal System ratings, as defined in § 4.71a of the federal regulations. This code addresses amputation of the forearm at a level above the insertion of the pronator teres — that is, the amputation occurs higher up on the arm, above the point where the pronator teres muscle attaches.
Because this is a significant loss involving the arm, the VA also considers which arm is affected: your dominant (major) arm or your non-dominant (minor) arm. This distinction can affect the assigned rating level.
Available Rating Levels
Under Diagnostic Code 5123, the rating depends on whether the amputation involves the dominant or non-dominant extremity:
| Rating | Extremity | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 80% | Dominant | Amputation above insertion of pronator teres |
| 70% | Non-dominant | Amputation above insertion of pronator teres |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating a claim under this diagnostic code, the VA considers:
- The level of amputation — specifically whether the amputation is located above the insertion of the pronator teres muscle.
- Which arm is affected — the dominant (major) extremity is rated at 80%, while the non-dominant (minor) extremity is rated at 70%.
Additional Note
- This condition is noted as entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC). Special monthly compensation is an additional benefit the VA may provide in certain circumstances involving specific disabilities.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under § 4.71a for Diagnostic Code 5123 and is provided for general educational purposes. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of each case as evaluated by the VA.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5123. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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