VA Diagnostic Code 5132Thumb, index and long

A single 60% rating under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires for it.

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60%50% non-dominant
Thumb, index and long

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.

VA Disability Rating: Amputation of the Thumb, Index, and Long Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5132)

Understanding This Condition

The VA rates the combined amputation of the thumb, index, and long (middle) fingers under Diagnostic Code 5132, part of the Musculoskeletal System rating schedule found in § 4.71a.

This code applies when three specific fingers — the thumb, index finger, and long finger — are amputated. Because the hand relies heavily on these fingers for gripping and everyday function, this is treated as a distinct multiple-finger amputation combination.

Available Rating Level

Rating	Description	Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity
60%	Amputation of the thumb, index, and long fingers	50%

The rating depends on whether the affected hand is your dominant or non-dominant (minor) extremity. The dominant-hand rating is 60%, and the non-dominant-hand rating is 50%.

What the VA Looks For

When applying Diagnostic Code 5132, the VA considers several specific rules about the level and nature of the amputation or related loss of function:

Level of amputation: The multiple finger amputation ratings apply to amputations at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through the proximal phalanges.
Amputation through the middle phalanges: These are rated as prescribed for unfavorable ankylosis of the fingers.
Amputation at distal joints or through distal phalanges: Other than negligible losses, these are rated as prescribed for favorable ankylosis of the fingers.
Loss of metacarpal bone: If more than one-half of a metacarpal bone is lost or resected in multiple finger injuries, an additional 10 percent is added (not combined) to the multiple finger amputation rating — subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.
Combinations of amputations and ankylosis: When finger amputations occur at various levels, or are combined with ankylosis or limitation of motion, the VA rates based on the grade of disability most representative of the levels or combinations (amputation or unfavorable ankylosis). When an even number of fingers is involved and adjacent grades of disability apply, the VA selects the higher of the two grades.
Loss of use of the hand: This is considered to exist when no effective function remains other than what would be equally well served by an amputation stump with a suitable prosthetic appliance.

This information summarizes the VA rating criteria for Diagnostic Code 5132 as described in § 4.71a. Individual ratings depend on the specific medical evidence and circumstances of each case.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5132. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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