---
title: "DC 5141 - Long, ring and little"
diagnostic_code: "5141"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5141-long-ring-and-little"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:31:17.094903Z"
---

# DC 5141 - Long, ring and little

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | 30% | Long, 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.

# Amputation of the Long, Ring, and Little Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5141)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Rating

Diagnostic Code 5141 applies to the amputation of the long, ring, and little fingers of one hand. Because your dominant and non-dominant hands are treated differently, the VA assigns a rating based on which hand is affected.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| **40%** | Amputation of the long, ring, and little fingers (dominant/major extremity) |
| **30%** | Amputation of the long, ring, and little fingers (non-dominant/minor extremity) |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating amputations under this code, the VA considers the specific level at which the fingers are amputated and how that maps to the rating criteria:

- **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.
- **Amputations at the distal joints, or through the distal phalanges** — other than negligible losses — are rated as prescribed for *favorable ankylosis* of the fingers.
- **Amputation or resection of metacarpal bones** (more than one-half the bone lost) in multiple-finger injuries requires an additional 10 percent to be *added to* (not combined with) the multiple finger amputation rating, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.
- **Combinations of finger amputations at various levels**, or finger amputations along with ankylosis or limitation of motion, are rated based on the grade of disability (amputation or unfavorable ankylosis) that is most representative of the levels or combinations involved. When an even number of fingers is involved and the grades of disability are adjacent, the higher of the two grades is selected.
- **Loss of use of the hand** is held 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.*

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