---
title: "DC 5125 - Hand, loss of use of"
diagnostic_code: "5125"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5125-hand-loss-of-use-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:23:25.071200Z"
---

# DC 5125 - Hand, loss of use of

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 70% | 60% | Hand, loss of use of |

## Notes

- 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation.

# Loss of Use of the Hand (VA Diagnostic Code 5125)

## Understanding This Condition

Loss of use of the hand is a musculoskeletal condition rated by the VA under **Diagnostic Code 5125**, found in **§ 4.71a** of the VA rating schedule.

This entry addresses the loss of use of a hand — one of the conditions the VA evaluates within the **Musculoskeletal System**.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a rating for loss of use of the hand based on which hand is affected:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **70%** | Loss of use of the hand (dominant extremity) |
| **60%** | Loss of use of the hand (non-dominant / minor extremity) |

The dominant (major) extremity is rated at 70%, while the non-dominant (minor) extremity is rated at 60%.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating this condition, the VA evaluates whether there is **loss of use of the hand**, and whether the affected hand is the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity, since this distinction determines the rating percentage.

## Important Note

- This condition may entitle the veteran to **special monthly compensation**.

---

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule (§ 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5125) and is provided for general educational purposes. Individual ratings depend on the specific evidence in each case.*

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