VA Diagnostic Code 5143Thumb and long

A single 50% rating under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires for it.

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50%40% non-dominant
Thumb and long

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 and Long Finger (Diagnostic Code 5143)

Musculoskeletal System — 38 CFR § 4.71a

Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5143 addresses amputation of the thumb and long finger on the same hand. This rating falls under the VA's evaluation of the musculoskeletal system and is governed by 38 CFR § 4.71a.

Because hand function is affected differently depending on which hand is involved, the VA assigns different rating levels for your dominant versus non-dominant hand.

Available Rating Level

Rating	Description	Non-Dominant Hand
50%	Amputation of the thumb and long finger	40% (non-dominant extremity)

If the affected hand is your dominant (major) hand, this condition is rated at 50%.
If the affected hand is your non-dominant (minor) hand, this condition is rated at 40%.

What the VA Looks At When Rating

When evaluating multiple finger amputations under this code, the VA considers several factors defined in the rating schedule:

Level of the amputation. Ratings for multiple finger amputations 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 distal joints, or through 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 or resected 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 levels or conditions. When finger amputations occur at various levels — or amputations combine with ankylosis or limitation of motion — the VA rates based on the grade of disability (amputation, unfavorable ankylosis) most representative of the levels or combinations involved. 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 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 summarizes the VA rating schedule criteria for Diagnostic Code 5143 as published in 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual ratings are determined by the VA based on your specific circumstances and medical evidence.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5143. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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