---
title: "DC 5147 - Index and ring"
diagnostic_code: "5147"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5147-index-and-ring"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:34:07.694791Z"
---

# DC 5147 - Index and ring

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | 30% | Index 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 Index and Ring Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5147)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5147 addresses the amputation of the **index and ring fingers**. When these two fingers are lost, the VA evaluates the impact on your hand's function to assign a disability rating.

An important factor in this rating is which hand is affected. The VA distinguishes between your **dominant (major) hand** and your **non-dominant (minor) hand**, and this can change the assigned percentage.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Criteria | Dominant vs. Non-Dominant |
|--------|----------|---------------------------|
| **40%** | Amputation of the index and ring fingers | Dominant (major) extremity |
| **30%** | Amputation of the index and ring fingers | Non-dominant (minor) extremity |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating an amputation of the index and ring fingers, the VA considers several specific factors defined in the rating schedule:

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

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

- **Combinations of amputation levels.** Combinations of finger amputations at various levels — or finger amputations with ankylosis or limitation of motion — are rated on the basis of the grade of disability (amputation or unfavorable ankylosis) 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 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.

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