---
title: "DC 5132 - Thumb, index and long"
diagnostic_code: "5132"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5132-thumb-index-and-long"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:26:54.978578Z"
---

# DC 5132 - Thumb, index and long

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 60% | 50% | Thumb, index and long |

## 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.

# VA Disability Rating: Amputation of the Thumb, Index, and Long Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5132)

## Understanding This Condition

The VA rates the combined amputation of the thumb, index, and long (middle) fingers under **Diagnostic Code 5132**, part of the Musculoskeletal System rating schedule found in **§ 4.71a**.

This code applies when three specific fingers — the thumb, index finger, and long finger — are amputated. Because the hand relies heavily on these fingers for gripping and everyday function, this is treated as a distinct multiple-finger amputation combination.

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## Available Rating Level

| Rating | Description | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|--------|-------------|-------------------------------|
| **60%** | Amputation of the thumb, index, and long fingers | **50%** |

The rating depends on whether the affected hand is your **dominant** or **non-dominant** (minor) extremity. The dominant-hand rating is **60%**, and the non-dominant-hand rating is **50%**.

---

## What the VA Looks For

When applying Diagnostic Code 5132, the VA considers several specific rules about the level and nature of the amputation or related loss of function:

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

- **Amputation through the middle phalanges:** These are rated as prescribed for **unfavorable ankylosis** of the fingers.

- **Amputation at distal joints or through distal phalanges:** Other than negligible losses, these 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 ankylosis:** When finger amputations occur at various levels, or are combined with ankylosis or limitation of motion, the VA rates based on the **grade of disability most representative** of the levels or combinations (amputation or unfavorable ankylosis). When an even number of fingers is involved and adjacent grades of disability apply, 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 with a suitable prosthetic appliance.

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*This information summarizes the VA rating criteria for Diagnostic Code 5132 as described in § 4.71a. Individual ratings depend on the specific medical evidence and circumstances of each case.*

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