---
title: "DC 5135 - Thumb, long and ring"
diagnostic_code: "5135"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5135-thumb-long-and-ring"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:28:24.756321Z"
---

# DC 5135 - Thumb, long and ring

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

## Rating criteria

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

# Thumb, Long, and Ring Finger Amputations — VA Diagnostic Code 5135

**Body System:** Musculoskeletal System
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5135

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5135 addresses amputations involving multiple fingers on the same hand — specifically the **thumb, long (middle), and ring fingers**. When more than one finger is lost, the VA evaluates the combined impact on the hand's overall function rather than rating each finger in isolation.

This rating recognizes that losing several fingers together significantly affects grip, dexterity, and the ability to perform daily tasks.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Affected Fingers | Dominant (Major) Hand | Non-Dominant (Minor) Hand |
|--------|------------------|----------------------|---------------------------|
| — | Thumb, long, and ring | **60%** | **50%** |

The VA assigns a higher percentage when the amputation involves the dominant (major) extremity and a lower percentage for the non-dominant (minor) extremity.

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating multiple finger amputations under this code, the VA considers several factors:

- **Level of amputation.** 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.
- **Amputation at the distal joints, or through the distal phalanges** (other than negligible losses) is rated as prescribed for *favorable ankylosis* of the fingers.
- **Metacarpal bone loss.** If the amputation or resection involves the loss of more than one-half of a metacarpal bone 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 injuries.** When 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 (amputation or unfavorable ankylosis) that is most representative of the levels or combinations involved. With an even number of fingers involved and adjacent grades of disability, 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 is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual ratings depend on the specific medical evidence in each case.*

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