---
title: "DC 5126 - Five digits of one hand, amputation of"
diagnostic_code: "5126"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5126-five-digits-of-one-hand-amputation-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:23:54.160876Z"
---

# DC 5126 - Five digits of one hand, amputation of

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 70% | 60% | Five digits of one hand, amputation of |

## Notes

- (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.
- 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation.

# Amputation of Five Digits of One Hand (Diagnostic Code 5126)

**Body System:** Musculoskeletal System
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.71a

## Understanding This Condition

This VA disability rating covers the amputation of all five digits (fingers and thumb) of one hand. It falls under the musculoskeletal system and is evaluated under the VA rating schedule for multiple finger amputations.

The VA recognizes that whether the affected hand is your dominant ("major") or non-dominant ("minor") hand can affect the assigned rating level.

## Available Rating Level

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **70%** | Amputation of five digits of one hand (dominant/major extremity) |
| **60%** | Amputation of five digits of one hand (non-dominant/minor extremity) |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating this condition, the VA considers several factors defined in the rating schedule:

- **Level of amputation.** Ratings for multiple finger amputations apply to amputations at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through the proximal phalanges.
- **Amputation through middle phalanges** is 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 amputations and other conditions.** Combinations of finger amputations at various levels, or finger amputations together with ankylosis or limitation of motion, are rated based on the grade of disability (amputation, unfavorable ankylosis, etc.) 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.** Loss of use is 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.

## Special Monthly Compensation

This condition is noted as potentially entitling the veteran to **special monthly compensation**.

*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

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