VA Diagnostic Code 5133Thumb, index and ring

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 ring

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 Ring Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5133)

Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a

Understanding This Rating

This entry covers amputation involving the thumb, index, and ring fingers. It falls under the VA's rating schedule for the musculoskeletal system and is evaluated using the criteria set out in 38 CFR § 4.71a.

Because the loss of these fingers affects the ability to grip, pinch, and perform everyday tasks, the VA assigns a rating that reflects the extent of the amputation and which hand is involved.

Available Rating Level

Rating	Criteria	Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity
60%	Thumb, index and ring	50%

The VA distinguishes between the dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) hand. When the affected hand is the non-dominant extremity, the rating shown is 50%.

What the VA Looks For

When evaluating amputations of multiple fingers under this code, the VA considers the following:

Level of amputation. The ratings for multiple finger amputations apply to amputations at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through the proximal phalanges.
Amputation through the middle phalanges will be rated as prescribed for unfavorable ankylosis of the fingers.
Amputations at distal joints, or through distal phalanges (other than negligible losses) will be rated as prescribed for favorable ankylosis of the fingers.
Loss of metacarpal bone. Amputation or resection of metacarpal bones (more than one-half the bone lost) in multiple finger injuries requires a rating of 10 percent added to (not combined with) the multiple finger amputation ratings, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.
Combinations of amputation levels or with ankylosis/limitation of motion. These are rated based on the grade of disability — amputation or unfavorable ankylosis — that is most representative of the levels or combinations involved. Where an even number of fingers is involved and the grades of disability are adjacent, the VA selects the higher of the two grades.
Loss of use of the hand is considered 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.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5133. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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