---
title: "DC 5148 - Index and little"
diagnostic_code: "5148"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5148-index-and-little"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:34:36.698946Z"
---

# DC 5148 - Index and little

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | 30% | Index 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 and Little Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5148)

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5148 covers the **amputation of both the index finger and the little finger** on the same hand. It falls under the **Musculoskeletal System** and is rated according to **§ 4.71a** of the VA rating schedule.

This entry addresses multiple finger amputations, where more than one finger has been lost. Because the impact of a hand injury can depend on which hand is affected, the VA rating distinguishes between the **dominant (major)** and **non-dominant (minor)** extremity.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|--------|----------|-------------------------------|
| **40%** | Amputation of the index and little fingers | **30%** |

The 40% rating applies to the dominant hand, while a 30% rating applies when the affected hand is the non-dominant extremity.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating amputations of the index and little fingers, the VA considers several specific factors described in the rating notes:

- **Level of amputation.** 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.

- **Amputations at the distal joints, or through the 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* to (not combined with) the multiple finger amputation rating — subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.

- **Combinations of injuries.** When finger amputations occur at various levels, or when amputations are combined with ankylosis or limitation of motion, the VA rates on the basis of 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 VA selects the **higher of the two grades**.

- **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.

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*This information summarizes the VA rating schedule criteria for Diagnostic Code 5148 under § 4.71a. Individual evaluations are based on your specific medical evidence and circumstances.*

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