---
title: "DC 5150 - Long and little"
diagnostic_code: "5150"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5150-long-and-little"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:35:38.688071Z"
---

# DC 5150 - Long and little

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 30% | 20% | Long 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 Long and Little Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5150)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Rating

Diagnostic Code 5150 addresses **amputation of the long and little fingers** together. It falls under the VA's rating schedule for the musculoskeletal system, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a.

Because the effect of a finger amputation can depend on which hand is affected, this code recognizes that your **dominant hand** (the one you primarily use) and your **non-dominant (minor) hand** may be rated differently.

## Available Rating Levels

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

## What the VA Looks For

When rating amputations of the fingers under this section, the VA applies several specific rules:

- **Level of amputation matters.** The 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 the distal phalanges** — other than negligible losses — are rated as prescribed for *favorable ankylosis* of the fingers.

- **Loss of bone in the hand.** If metacarpal bones are amputated or resected (more than one-half the bone lost) in multiple finger injuries, a rating of 10 percent is *added* to (not combined with) the multiple finger amputation ratings, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.

- **Combinations of injuries.** When finger amputations occur at various levels, or are combined with ankylosis or limitation of motion, the VA rates based on the grade of disability (amputation or 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 is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule at 38 CFR § 4.71a and is provided for general educational purposes. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of each case as evaluated by the VA.*

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