VA Diagnostic Code 5137Thumb, ring 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, ring and little
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.
Amputation of the Thumb, Ring, and Little Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5137)
Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a
Understanding This Condition
Diagnostic Code 5137 addresses the amputation of a specific combination of fingers on the same hand: the thumb, ring, and little fingers. When these fingers are lost together, the VA evaluates the impact on hand function under a defined rating.
Because the dominant hand typically plays a larger role in daily activities, the VA assigns a different rating depending on whether the affected hand is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity.
Available Rating Levels
| Rating | Extremity | What It Reflects |
|---|---|---|
| 60% | Dominant (major) hand | Amputation of the thumb, ring, and little fingers |
| 50% | Non-dominant (minor) hand | Amputation of the thumb, ring, and little fingers |
What the VA Looks For
When rating under Diagnostic Code 5137, the VA considers the level and combination of finger loss. Key points that guide how these amputations are evaluated include:
- Level of amputation matters. The multiple finger amputation ratings 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.
- Amputations at the distal joints, or through the distal phalanges (other than negligible losses) 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 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 different levels. 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 — amputation or unfavorable ankylosis — that is most representative of the overall levels or combinations. When an even number of fingers is involved and the grades of disability are adjacent, the higher of the two grades is selected.
- Loss of use of the hand. Loss of use is considered to exist when no effective function remains other than what would be equally well served by an amputation stump fitted with a suitable prosthetic appliance.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the rating criteria under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5137. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts of each case.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5137. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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