---
title: "DC 5156 - Little finger, amputation of:"
diagnostic_code: "5156"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5156-little-finger-amputation-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:38:03.450499Z"
---

# DC 5156 - Little finger, amputation of:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20% | 20% | With metacarpal resection (more than one-half the bone lost) |
| 10% | 10% | Without metacarpal resection, at proximal interphalangeal joint or proximal thereto |

## Notes

- Note: The single finger amputation ratings are the only applicable ratings for amputations of whole or part of single fingers.
- 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation.

# Amputation of the Little Finger (VA Diagnostic Code 5156)

## Understanding This Rating

The little finger, or "pinky," plays a role in grip strength and hand function. When this finger is amputated—in whole or in part—the VA evaluates the disability under **Diagnostic Code 5156**, part of the Musculoskeletal System schedule found in **§ 4.71a**.

This entry applies specifically to amputations of the little finger. According to VA guidance, the single finger amputation ratings are the only applicable ratings for amputations of the whole or part of a single finger.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns one of the following disability ratings based on the location and extent of the amputation:

| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|--------|----------|-------------------------------|
| **20%** | With metacarpal resection (more than one-half the bone lost) | 20% |
| **10%** | Without metacarpal resection, at the proximal interphalangeal joint or proximal thereto | 10% |

Under this diagnostic code, the rating is the same whether the affected hand is the dominant or non-dominant (minor) extremity.

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating an amputation of the little finger, the VA considers:

- **Whether a metacarpal resection is involved** — specifically, whether more than one-half of the bone has been lost. This supports the higher **20%** rating.
- **The location of the amputation** — an amputation without metacarpal resection, occurring at the proximal interphalangeal joint or proximal to it, is evaluated at **10%**.

## Additional Note

The VA schedule indicates that certain little finger amputations may entitle a veteran to **special monthly compensation**.

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 5156 (§ 4.71a) and is provided for general educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of any specific rating outcome.*

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