---
title: "DC 5149 - Long and ring"
diagnostic_code: "5149"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5149-long-and-ring"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:35:09.098535Z"
---

# DC 5149 - Long and ring

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 30% | 20% | Long 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 Long and Ring Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5149)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5149 addresses the **amputation of the long finger and ring finger** on the same hand. The VA evaluates this condition under the musculoskeletal rating schedule, recognizing that the loss of these two adjacent fingers can affect the strength, dexterity, and overall function of the hand.

Because the hand you use most often plays a larger role in daily activities, the VA assigns a different rating depending on whether the affected hand is your **dominant** (major) or **non-dominant** (minor) extremity.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Extremity | Description |
|--------|-----------|-------------|
| **30%** | Dominant (major) hand | Amputation of the long and ring fingers |
| **20%** | Non-dominant (minor) hand | Amputation of the long and ring fingers |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating amputations of the long and ring fingers, the VA considers **where along the finger the amputation occurred** and how the loss affects hand function. Key points from the rating rules include:

- **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:** These are rated as prescribed for **unfavorable ankylosis** of the fingers (stiffening in an unfavorable position).

- **Amputation at distal joints or through distal phalanges:** Losses that are more than negligible 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 in a multiple-finger injury, a rating of **10 percent is added** (not combined) to the multiple-finger amputation rating, subject to the amputation rule as applied to the forearm.

- **Combinations of levels or conditions:** When amputations occur at different levels, or are combined with ankylosis or limitation of motion, the VA rates based on the **grade of disability** most representative of the levels involved. With an even number of fingers affected and adjacent grades of disability, the **higher of the two grades** is selected.

- **Loss of use of the hand:** This is recognized 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 provided for general educational purposes and is based on the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts of each case.*

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