VA Diagnostic Code 5139Index, long and little

VA Disability Rating: Amputation of the Index, Long, and Little Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5139)

Musculoskeletal System — 38 CFR § 4.71a

Understanding This Rating

This entry covers the amputation of three fingers on the same hand: the index, long (middle), and little fingers. It falls under the VA's schedule for multiple finger amputations within the musculoskeletal system.

When more than one finger is amputated, the VA evaluates the combination of losses together rather than rating each finger separately. The location of each amputation—and whether other fingers have reduced movement—can affect how the disability is graded.

Available Rating Levels

The rating depends on whether the affected hand is your dominant or non-dominant hand.

What the VA Looks At

The VA applies specific rules from § 4.71a when evaluating multiple finger amputations:

• Where the amputation occurred. The multiple finger amputation ratings apply to amputations at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through the proximal phalanges.

  • Amputations through the middle phalanges are 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 bone in the metacarpals. 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 amputations, ankylosis, or limited motion. When finger amputations occur at different levels—or combine with ankylosis or limitation of motion—the VA rates based on the grade of disability most representative of those levels or combinations (for example, amputation or unfavorable ankylosis). When an even number of fingers is involved with adjacent grades of disability, the VA selects the higher of the two grades.

• 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 with a suitable prosthetic appliance.

This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts of your case as determined by the VA.