---
title: "DC 5127 - Thumb, index, long and ring"
diagnostic_code: "5127"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5127-thumb-index-long-and-ring"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:24:24.781062Z"
---

# DC 5127 - Thumb, index, long and ring

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 70% | 60% | Thumb, index, long and ring |

## 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 the Thumb, Index, Long, and Ring Fingers (VA Diagnostic Code 5127)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5127 addresses the amputation of four fingers on the same hand: the **thumb, index, long, and ring fingers**. This rating falls under the VA's schedule for evaluating the musculoskeletal system.

Because the hand relies on the combined function of these fingers, the loss of this specific group of fingers is evaluated as a single, defined level of disability under the VA's rating schedule.

## Available Rating Level

The VA assigns a rating based on which hand is affected:

| Rating | Affected Fingers | Extremity |
|--------|------------------|-----------|
| **70%** | Thumb, index, long, and ring | Dominant hand |
| **60%** | Thumb, index, long, and ring | Non-dominant (minor) hand |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating amputations of multiple fingers under this code, the VA considers several factors defined in the rating notes:

- **Level of amputation.** The multiple-finger amputation ratings 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 the distal joints, or through the 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 a multiple-finger injury, a rating of **10 percent is added to** (not combined with) the multiple-finger amputation rating, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.

- **Combinations of amputation levels.** Where finger amputations occur at various levels, or amputations are combined with ankylosis or limitation of motion, the VA rates based on the **grade of disability most representative** of the levels or combinations involved. When an even number of fingers is involved and the grades are adjacent, the VA selects the **higher of the two grades.**

- **Loss of use of the hand.** This is considered to exist when **no effective function remains** other than what would be equally well served by an amputation stump fitted with a suitable prosthetic appliance.

## Special Monthly Compensation

This condition may entitle a veteran to **Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)**, an additional benefit provided beyond the standard rating in certain circumstances.

---

*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual evaluations depend on your specific medical evidence and circumstances.*

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