VA Diagnostic Code 5145Thumb and little

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 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.

VA Disability Rating: Thumb and Little Finger Amputations (Diagnostic Code 5145)

Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a

Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5145 addresses the amputation of the thumb and little finger of the same hand. Because the VA recognizes that losing multiple fingers affects the way your hand functions as a whole, this rating is designed for combinations of amputations involving these two digits.

The rating you receive can depend on whether the affected hand is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) hand.

Available Rating Levels

Rating	Description
50%	Amputation of the thumb and little finger — dominant (major) extremity
40%	Amputation of the thumb and little finger — non-dominant (minor) extremity

What the VA Looks For

When evaluating amputations of the thumb and little finger, the VA considers several specific factors:

Level of amputation. 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 multiple-finger injuries, a rating of 10 percent is added to (not combined with) the finger amputation rating, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.
Combinations of injuries. 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 or unfavorable ankylosis) that is most representative of the levels or combinations involved. 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. The VA holds that loss of use of the hand exists 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 summarizes the rating criteria under Diagnostic Code 5145. 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 5145. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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