---
title: "DC 5123 - Above insertion of pronator teres"
diagnostic_code: "5123"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5123-above-insertion-of-pronator-teres"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:22:39.131498Z"
---

# DC 5123 - Above insertion of pronator teres

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 80% | 70% | Above insertion of pronator teres |

## Notes

- 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation.

# Amputation of the Forearm, Above Insertion of Pronator Teres (Diagnostic Code 5123)

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code **5123** falls under the VA's **Musculoskeletal System** ratings, as defined in **§ 4.71a** of the federal regulations. This code addresses amputation of the forearm at a level **above the insertion of the pronator teres** — that is, the amputation occurs higher up on the arm, above the point where the pronator teres muscle attaches.

Because this is a significant loss involving the arm, the VA also considers which arm is affected: your **dominant** (major) arm or your **non-dominant** (minor) arm. This distinction can affect the assigned rating level.

## Available Rating Levels

Under Diagnostic Code 5123, the rating depends on whether the amputation involves the dominant or non-dominant extremity:

| Rating | Extremity | Criteria |
|--------|-----------|----------|
| **80%** | Dominant | Amputation above insertion of pronator teres |
| **70%** | Non-dominant | Amputation above insertion of pronator teres |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a claim under this diagnostic code, the VA considers:

- **The level of amputation** — specifically whether the amputation is located above the insertion of the pronator teres muscle.
- **Which arm is affected** — the dominant (major) extremity is rated at 80%, while the non-dominant (minor) extremity is rated at 70%.

## Additional Note

- This condition is noted as **entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC)**. Special monthly compensation is an additional benefit the VA may provide in certain circumstances involving specific disabilities.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under § 4.71a for Diagnostic Code 5123 and is provided for general educational purposes. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of each case as evaluated by the VA.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a