---
title: "DC 5128 - Thumb, index, long and little"
diagnostic_code: "5128"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5128-thumb-index-long-and-little"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:24:55.309283Z"
---

# DC 5128 - Thumb, index, long and little

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

## Rating criteria

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

## 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.

# VA Disability Rating: Multiple Finger Amputation — Thumb, Index, Long, and Little (Diagnostic Code 5128)

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

---

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5128 addresses the amputation of multiple fingers on the same hand — specifically the **thumb, index, long, and little fingers**. Because losing several fingers together significantly affects how the hand functions, the VA rates this combination of amputations under a dedicated diagnostic code within the musculoskeletal rating schedule.

The VA also distinguishes between your **dominant (major)** hand and your **non-dominant (minor)** hand when assigning a rating for this condition.

---

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|--------|----------|-------------------------------|
| **70%** | Amputation of the thumb, index, long, and little fingers | **60%** |

If the amputations affect your dominant hand, the 70% level applies. If they affect your non-dominant hand, the 60% level applies.

---

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating amputations of the thumb, index, long, and little fingers, the VA considers the following rules that apply to multiple finger amputations:

- **(a)** The ratings for multiple finger amputations apply to amputations at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through the proximal phalanges.
- **(b)** Amputation through the middle phalanges will be rated as prescribed for **unfavorable ankylosis** of the fingers.
- **(c)** Amputations at the distal joints, or through the 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 finger injuries requires a rating of **10 percent added to** (not combined with) the multiple finger amputation ratings, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.
- **(e)** Combinations of finger amputations at various levels — or finger amputations along with ankylosis or limitation of motion of the fingers — are rated 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 there are adjacent grades of disability, the **higher** of the two grades is selected.
- **(f)** **Loss of use of the hand** is considered to exist when no effective function remains other than what would be equally well served by an amputation stump with a suitable prosthetic appliance.

---

## Special Monthly Compensation

Certain amputations may entitle a veteran to **special monthly compensation** in addition to the schedular rating.

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*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual evaluations depend on your specific medical findings and circumstances.*

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