VA Diagnostic Code 5130Thumb, long, ring and little

A single 70% rating under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires for it.

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70%60% non-dominant
Thumb, long, ring and little

From the schedule

Notes on this code

These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.

(a) The ratings for multiple finger amputations apply to amputations at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through proximal phalanges.
(b) Amputation through middle phalanges will be rated as prescribed for unfavorable ankylosis of the fingers.
(c) Amputations at distal joints, or through distal phalanges, other than negligible losses, will be rated as prescribed for favorable ankylosis of the fingers.
(d) Amputation or resection of metacarpal bones (more than one-half the bone lost) in multiple fingers injuries will require a rating of 10 percent added to (not combined with) the ratings, multiple finger amputations, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.
(e) Combinations of finger amputations at various levels, or finger amputations with ankylosis or limitation of motion of the fingers will be rated on the basis of the grade of disability; i.e., amputation, unfavorable ankylosis, most representative of the levels or combinations. With an even number of fingers involved, and adjacent grades of disability, select the higher of the two grades.
(f) Loss of use of the hand will be held to exist when no effective function remains other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation stump with a suitable prosthetic appliance.
1 Entitled to special monthly compensation.

VA Disability Rating: Amputation of the Thumb, Long, Ring, and Little Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5130)

Body System: Musculoskeletal System Regulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a

Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5130 addresses the amputation of four fingers on the same hand: the thumb, long (middle) finger, ring finger, and little finger. The VA rates this combination under a specific schedule for multiple finger amputations.

Where an amputation occurs on the hand affects how the VA applies the rating. Under the notes for this code:

Amputations at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through the proximal phalanges are rated under the multiple finger amputation ratings.
Amputations through the middle phalanges are rated as prescribed for unfavorable ankylosis of the fingers.
Amputations at the distal joints, or through the distal phalanges (other than negligible losses) are rated as prescribed for favorable ankylosis of the fingers.

Available Rating Levels

Rating	Extremity	Criteria
70%	Dominant (major) hand	Amputation of the thumb, long, ring, and little fingers
60%	Non-dominant (minor) hand	Amputation of the thumb, long, ring, and little fingers

The percentage assigned depends on whether the affected hand is your dominant or non-dominant extremity.

What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a claim under this code, the VA considers:

The level of amputation. The point at which each finger is amputated (proximal, middle, or distal phalanges/joints) determines whether the rating follows the multiple finger amputation schedule or is instead rated as unfavorable or favorable ankylosis of the fingers.
Loss of metacarpal bone. If amputation or resection of the metacarpal bones (more than one-half the bone lost) occurs in multiple finger injuries, a rating of 10 percent is added to (not combined with) the multiple finger amputation ratings — subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.
Combinations of amputation levels and joint conditions. Where finger amputations occur at various levels, or where amputations combine with ankylosis or limitation of motion, the VA rates based on the grade of disability (amputation or unfavorable ankylosis) most representative of the levels or combinations involved. With an even number of fingers involved and adjacent grades of disability, the VA selects the higher of the two grades.
Loss of use of the hand. Loss of use is held to exist when no effective function remains other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation stump with a suitable prosthetic appliance.
Which hand is affected. Ratings differ for the dominant (major) versus non-dominant (minor) extremity.

Note: This condition may entitle the veteran to special monthly compensation.

This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a and is provided for general educational purposes. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts and medical evidence in each case.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5130. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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What next

How to claim this

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File under diagnostic code 5130 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Musculoskeletal System codes may cover your secondary conditions.

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