---
title: "DC 5140 - Index, ring and little"
diagnostic_code: "5140"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5140-index-ring-and-little"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:30:48.502728Z"
---

# DC 5140 - Index, ring and little

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

## Rating criteria

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

# VA Disability Rating: Amputation of the Index, Ring, and Little Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5140)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5140 addresses the amputation of three fingers on the same hand: the **index, ring, and little fingers**. Because this combination affects multiple fingers, the VA rates it under a specific framework that accounts for where the amputation occurs and whether it is combined with other losses of finger function.

The rating you receive can depend on whether the affected hand is your **dominant** (major) or **non-dominant** (minor) hand.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant (Minor) Hand |
|--------|----------|----------------------------|
| **50%** | Amputation of the index, ring, and little fingers | **40%** |

For the dominant hand, this combination of amputations is rated at **50%**. If the same amputations affect the non-dominant extremity, the rating is **40%**.

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating amputations of the index, ring, and little fingers, the VA considers several factors under § 4.71a:

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

- **Amputation through 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.** 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 rating, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.

- **Combinations of losses.** When finger amputations occur at various levels — or amputations are combined with ankylosis or limitation of motion — the VA rates the condition 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 higher of the two grades is selected.

- **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.

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