VA Diagnostic Code 5136Thumb, long and little

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

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60%50% non-dominant
Thumb, long 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.

Amputations of the Thumb, Long, and Little Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5136)

Musculoskeletal System — 38 CFR § 4.71a

Understanding This Rating

Diagnostic Code 5136 addresses the amputation of a specific combination of digits: the thumb, long (middle) finger, and little finger. Because this involves the loss of multiple fingers, the VA evaluates it under a framework designed for multiple finger amputations rather than for a single digit.

The rating recognizes that losing this combination of fingers significantly affects the function of the hand. The VA also distinguishes between your dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) hand when assigning a rating level.

Available Rating Levels

Rating	Condition	Non-Dominant Extremity
60%	Amputation of the thumb, long, and little fingers	50% (non-dominant extremity)

If the affected hand is your dominant hand, the rating is 60%.
If the affected hand is your non-dominant hand, the rating is 50%.

What the VA Looks For

When rating this condition, the VA considers where along the finger the amputation occurred and how it should be classified. The following rules guide the evaluation:

Level of amputation for multiple fingers. The ratings for multiple finger amputations apply to amputations at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through the proximal phalanges.
Amputation through the middle phalanges is rated as prescribed for unfavorable ankylosis of the fingers.
Amputation at the distal joints, or through the distal phalanges (other than negligible losses) is 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 a multiple-finger injury, a rating of 10 percent is added to (not combined with) the multiple finger amputation rating, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.
Combinations of amputation levels. When finger amputations occur at various levels, or when amputations are combined with ankylosis or limitation of motion, the VA rates based on the grade of disability (amputation, unfavorable ankylosis, etc.) that is most representative of the levels or combinations involved. When an even number of fingers is involved with adjacent grades of disability, the higher of the two grades is selected.
Loss of use of the hand. Loss of use is held to exist when no effective function remains in the hand other than what would be equally well served by an amputation stump with a suitable prosthetic appliance.

This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the rating criteria described in 38 CFR § 4.71a. Your individual rating depends on your specific medical evidence and circumstances.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5136. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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