---
title: "DC 5144 - Thumb and ring"
diagnostic_code: "5144"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5144-thumb-and-ring"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:32:45.924290Z"
---

# DC 5144 - Thumb and ring

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

## Rating criteria

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

# VA Disability Rating: Amputation of the Thumb and Ring Finger (Diagnostic Code 5144)

**Body System:** Musculoskeletal System
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.71a — Diagnostic Code 5144

---

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code **5144** addresses the amputation of two specific fingers on the same hand: the **thumb and the ring finger**. Because these amputations affect more than one finger, the VA rates them under a framework designed specifically for **multiple finger amputations**.

The VA recognizes that the impact of a finger amputation depends on where the amputation occurs along the finger, and whether the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) hand is affected.

---

## Available Rating Levels

Under Diagnostic Code 5144, the rating for amputation of the thumb and ring finger is:

| Condition | Dominant (Major) Hand | Non-Dominant (Minor) Hand |
|-----------|----------------------|---------------------------|
| Thumb and ring | **50%** | **40%** |

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

---

## What the VA Looks For

When rating amputations of the thumb and ring finger, the VA applies several specific rules:

- **Level of amputation matters.** The multiple finger amputation ratings 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.

- **Amputation or resection of metacarpal bones** (when more than one-half the bone is lost) in multiple finger injuries adds **10 percent** to the ratings (added to — not combined with — the multiple finger amputation ratings), subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.

- **Combinations of amputations at different levels**, or amputations combined with ankylosis or limitation of motion, are rated based on the **grade of disability** (amputation or unfavorable ankylosis) that most closely represents the overall level of impairment. 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 served by an amputation stump with a suitable prosthetic appliance.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual ratings depend on the specific medical facts of each case.*

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