---
title: "DC 5139 - Index, long and little"
diagnostic_code: "5139"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5139-index-long-and-little"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:30:22.594816Z"
---

# DC 5139 - Index, long and little

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50% | 40% | 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.

# VA Disability Rating: Amputation of the Index, Long, and Little Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5139)

*Musculoskeletal System — 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Rating

This entry covers the **amputation of three fingers on the same hand: the index, long (middle), and little fingers**. It falls under the VA's schedule for multiple finger amputations within the musculoskeletal system.

When more than one finger is amputated, the VA evaluates the combination of losses together rather than rating each finger separately. The location of each amputation—and whether other fingers have reduced movement—can affect how the disability is graded.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Extremity | Description |
|--------|-----------|-------------|
| **50%** | Dominant (major) hand | Amputation of the index, long, and little fingers |
| **40%** | Non-dominant (minor) hand | Amputation of the index, long, and little fingers |

The rating depends on whether the affected hand is your dominant or non-dominant hand.

## What the VA Looks At

The VA applies specific rules from § 4.71a when evaluating multiple finger amputations:

- **Where the amputation occurred.** The multiple finger amputation ratings apply to amputations **at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through the proximal phalanges**.
  - Amputations **through the middle phalanges** are 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.

- **Loss of bone in the metacarpals.** If more than one-half of a metacarpal bone is lost 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, ankylosis, or limited motion.** When finger amputations occur at different levels—or combine with ankylosis or limitation of motion—the VA rates based on the **grade of disability most representative** of those levels or combinations (for example, amputation or unfavorable ankylosis). When an even number of fingers is involved with adjacent grades of disability, the VA selects the **higher of the two grades**.

- **Loss of use of the hand.** Loss of use 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 drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts of your case as determined by the VA.*

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