---
title: "DC 5133 - Thumb, index and ring"
diagnostic_code: "5133"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5133-thumb-index-and-ring"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:27:23.263333Z"
---

# DC 5133 - Thumb, index and ring

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

## Rating criteria

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

# VA Disability Rating: Amputation of the Thumb, Index, and Ring Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5133)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Rating

This entry covers amputation involving the **thumb, index, and ring fingers**. It falls under the VA's rating schedule for the musculoskeletal system and is evaluated using the criteria set out in 38 CFR § 4.71a.

Because the loss of these fingers affects the ability to grip, pinch, and perform everyday tasks, the VA assigns a rating that reflects the extent of the amputation and which hand is involved.

## Available Rating Level

| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|--------|----------|-------------------------------|
| **60%** | Thumb, index and ring | **50%** |

The VA distinguishes between the **dominant (major)** and **non-dominant (minor)** hand. When the affected hand is the non-dominant extremity, the rating shown is 50%.

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating amputations of multiple fingers under this code, the VA considers the following:

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

- **Amputation through the middle phalanges** will be rated as prescribed for **unfavorable ankylosis** of the fingers.

- **Amputations at distal joints, or through distal phalanges** (other than negligible losses) will be rated as prescribed for **favorable ankylosis** of the fingers.

- **Loss of metacarpal bone.** 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.

- **Combinations of amputation levels or with ankylosis/limitation of motion.** These are rated based on the grade of disability — amputation or unfavorable ankylosis — that is **most representative** of the levels or combinations involved. Where an even number of fingers is involved and the grades of disability are adjacent, the VA selects the **higher of the two grades**.

- **Loss of use of the hand** is considered 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.

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