VA Diagnostic Code 5138Index, long and ring
A single 50% rating under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires for it.
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- 50%40% non-dominant
Index, long and ring
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 Index, Long, and Ring Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5138)
Body System: Musculoskeletal System Regulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a
Understanding This Condition
Diagnostic Code 5138 addresses the amputation of three fingers together — the index, long, and ring fingers — on the same hand. Because these fingers play a major role in gripping, grasping, and everyday hand function, the VA evaluates their loss under a dedicated rating.
When rating multiple finger amputations, the VA considers not only the fingers themselves but also the level at which the amputation occurred and whether other bones or joints are involved.
Available Rating Levels
| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | Amputation of the index, long, and ring fingers | 40% |
The rating depends in part on whether the affected hand is your dominant or non-dominant (minor) extremity. The dominant-hand rating is 50%, while the same amputation on the non-dominant hand is rated at 40%.
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating amputations of the index, long, and ring fingers, the VA applies several specific rules:
- Level of amputation matters. 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.
- Metacarpal bone involvement. If metacarpal bones are amputated or resected (with more than one-half the bone lost) in multiple finger injuries, an additional 10 percent is added to — not combined with — the multiple finger amputation rating, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.
- Combinations of levels. Combinations of finger amputations at various levels, or finger amputations along with ankylosis or limitation of motion, are rated based on the grade of disability (amputation or unfavorable ankylosis) that is most representative of the levels or combinations involved. With an even number of fingers involved and adjacent grades of disability, the higher of the two grades is selected.
- Loss of use of the hand 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 is based on the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts of your case.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5138. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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