---
title: "DC 5160 - Complete amputation, lower extremity:"
diagnostic_code: "5160"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5160-complete-amputation-lower-extremity"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:38:26.680935Z"
---

# DC 5160 - Complete amputation, lower extremity:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Trans-pelvic amputation (involving complete removal of the femur and intrinsic pelvic musculature along with any portion of the pelvic bones) |
| 90% | Disarticulation (involving complete removal of the femur and intrinsic pelvic musculature only) |

## Notes

- Note: Separately evaluate residuals involving other body systems (e.g., bowel impairment, bladder impairment) under the appropriate diagnostic code.
- 2 Also entitled to special monthly compensation.

# Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (VA Diagnostic Code 5160)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5160 addresses **complete amputation of the lower extremity** — the highest-level amputations of the leg, where the femur and surrounding tissue are entirely removed. Because these amputations involve the loss of the entire limb at or near the pelvis, the VA rates them at the top of the disability schedule.

This code is part of the VA's musculoskeletal rating system and is evaluated under § 4.71a.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA recognizes two rating levels for this condition:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
| --- | --- |
| **100%** | Trans-pelvic amputation — involving complete removal of the femur and intrinsic pelvic musculature along with any portion of the pelvic bones. |
| **90%** | Disarticulation — involving complete removal of the femur and intrinsic pelvic musculature only. |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating an amputation under Diagnostic Code 5160, the VA distinguishes between two situations based on the extent of tissue and bone removed:

- **A 100% rating** applies to a **trans-pelvic amputation**, where the femur and intrinsic pelvic musculature are completely removed *along with any portion of the pelvic bones*.
- **A 90% rating** applies to a **disarticulation**, where the femur and intrinsic pelvic musculature are completely removed, but the pelvic bones are not involved.

### Additional Considerations

- **Related residuals are rated separately.** Any residuals involving other body systems — for example, bowel impairment or bladder impairment — are evaluated separately under the appropriate diagnostic code.
- **Special monthly compensation.** Amputations rated under this code may also entitle the veteran to special monthly compensation.

---

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 5160. 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