VA Diagnostic Code 5125Hand, loss of use of
A single 70% rating under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires for it.
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- 70%60% non-dominant
Hand, loss of use of
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.
Loss of Use of the Hand (VA Diagnostic Code 5125)
Understanding This Condition
Loss of use of the hand is a musculoskeletal condition rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 5125, found in § 4.71a of the VA rating schedule.
This entry addresses the loss of use of a hand — one of the conditions the VA evaluates within the Musculoskeletal System.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a rating for loss of use of the hand based on which hand is affected:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 70% | Loss of use of the hand (dominant extremity) |
| 60% | Loss of use of the hand (non-dominant / minor extremity) |
The dominant (major) extremity is rated at 70%, while the non-dominant (minor) extremity is rated at 60%.
What the VA Looks For
When rating this condition, the VA evaluates whether there is loss of use of the hand, and whether the affected hand is the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity, since this distinction determines the rating percentage.
Important Note
- This condition may entitle the veteran to special monthly compensation.
This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule (§ 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5125) and is provided for general educational purposes. Individual ratings depend on the specific evidence in each case.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5125. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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