---
title: "DC 5129 - Thumb, index, ring and little"
diagnostic_code: "5129"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5129-thumb-index-ring-and-little"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:25:22.219473Z"
---

# DC 5129 - Thumb, index, ring and little

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

## Rating criteria

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

**Diagnostic Code 5129 · 38 CFR § 4.71a · Musculoskeletal System**

## Understanding This Condition

This rating covers the amputation of multiple fingers on one hand — specifically the **thumb, index, ring, and little fingers**. When several fingers are lost, the impact on hand function can be significant, affecting the ability to grip, hold, and perform everyday tasks.

The VA rates this condition under Diagnostic Code 5129, which is part of the schedule addressing multiple finger amputations in § 4.71a.

## Available Rating Level

Under this diagnostic code, the rating depends on which hand is affected:

| Rating | Description | Extremity |
|--------|-------------|-----------|
| **70%** | Thumb, index, ring, and little fingers | Dominant (major) extremity |
| **60%** | Thumb, index, ring, and little fingers | Non-dominant (minor) extremity |

**Note:** This rating carries entitlement to special monthly compensation.

## What the VA Looks For When Rating This Condition

The VA applies specific rules to determine how amputations of the fingers are evaluated:

- **Level of amputation matters.** The ratings for multiple finger amputations apply to amputations **at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through the proximal phalanges**.

- **Amputation through the middle phalanges** is 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.

- **Metacarpal bone loss.** If more than one-half of the metacarpal bone is lost or resected in multiple finger injuries, a rating of **10 percent is added to** (not combined with) the multiple finger amputation ratings, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.

- **Combinations of amputations and other impairments.** Combinations of finger amputations at various levels, or finger amputations along with ankylosis or limitation of motion, 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 with adjacent grades of disability, the **higher of the two grades** is selected.

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

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