---
title: "DC 5152 - Thumb, amputation of:"
diagnostic_code: "5152"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5152-thumb-amputation-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:36:27.105623Z"
---

# DC 5152 - Thumb, amputation of:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | 30% | With metacarpal resection |
| 30% | 20% | At metacarpophalangeal joint or through proximal phalanx |
| 20% | 20% | At distal joint or through distal phalanx |

## Notes

- Note: The single finger amputation ratings are the only applicable ratings for amputations of whole or part of single fingers.

# Thumb Amputation (VA Diagnostic Code 5152)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Rating

Diagnostic Code 5152 covers the **amputation of the thumb**, whether that involves the whole thumb or a part of it. Because the thumb plays a central role in hand function, the VA rates it based on **how much of the thumb is affected** and **which hand** is involved.

An important detail: the VA distinguishes between your **dominant** (major) and **non-dominant** (minor) extremity. The same level of amputation may carry a different rating depending on whether it affects your dominant or non-dominant hand.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating (Dominant Hand) | Rating (Non-Dominant Hand) | What It Reflects |
|---|---|---|
| **40%** | **30%** | Amputation with metacarpal resection |
| **30%** | **20%** | Amputation at the metacarpophalangeal joint or through the proximal phalanx |
| **20%** | **20%** | Amputation at the distal joint or through the distal phalanx |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating a thumb amputation, the VA focuses on:

- **The level of the amputation** — how much of the thumb has been removed, ranging from the distal (outer) joint up through the metacarpal (the bone connecting the thumb to the wrist).
- **Whether a metacarpal resection is involved** — amputation accompanied by metacarpal resection is rated at the highest level for this code.
- **Which hand is affected** — the dominant (major) extremity may be rated higher than the non-dominant (minor) extremity for the same level of amputation.

## Important Note

Per VA guidance, the single finger amputation ratings are **the only applicable ratings for amputations of whole or part of single fingers**.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

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