---
title: "DC 5143 - Thumb and long"
diagnostic_code: "5143"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5143-thumb-and-long"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:32:16.701750Z"
---

# DC 5143 - Thumb and long

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50% | 40% | Thumb and long |

## 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 and Long Finger (Diagnostic Code 5143)

*Musculoskeletal System — 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5143 addresses **amputation of the thumb and long finger** on the same hand. This rating falls under the VA's evaluation of the musculoskeletal system and is governed by 38 CFR § 4.71a.

Because hand function is affected differently depending on which hand is involved, the VA assigns different rating levels for your **dominant** versus **non-dominant** hand.

## Available Rating Level

| Rating | Description | Non-Dominant Hand |
|--------|-------------|-------------------|
| **50%** | Amputation of the thumb and long finger | **40%** (non-dominant extremity) |

- If the affected hand is your **dominant (major)** hand, this condition is rated at **50%**.
- If the affected hand is your **non-dominant (minor)** hand, this condition is rated at **40%**.

## What the VA Looks At When Rating

When evaluating multiple finger amputations under this code, the VA considers several factors defined in the rating schedule:

- **Level of the amputation.** Ratings for multiple finger amputations 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 distal joints, or through distal phalanges** (other than negligible losses) are rated as prescribed for **favorable ankylosis** of the fingers.

- **Loss of metacarpal bone.** If more than one-half of a metacarpal bone is lost or resected 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 levels or conditions.** When finger amputations occur at various levels — or amputations combine with ankylosis or limitation of motion — the VA rates based on the grade of disability (amputation, unfavorable ankylosis) most representative of the levels or combinations involved. 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** 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 summarizes the VA rating schedule criteria for Diagnostic Code 5143 as published in 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual ratings are determined by the VA based on your specific circumstances and medical evidence.*

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