---
title: "DC 5161 - Upper third, one-third of the distance from perineum to knee joint measured from perineum"
diagnostic_code: "5161"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5161-upper-third-one-third-of-the-distance-from-perineum-to-knee"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:38:47.543118Z"
---

# DC 5161 - Upper third, one-third of the distance from perineum to knee joint measured from perineum

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 80% | Upper third, one-third of the distance from perineum to knee joint measured from perineum |

## Notes

- 2 Also entitled to special monthly compensation.

# Amputation of the Thigh — Upper Third (Diagnostic Code 5161)

*Musculoskeletal System · Rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## What This Rating Covers

Diagnostic Code 5161 addresses amputation of the thigh at the **upper third** — specifically, within one-third of the distance from the perineum to the knee joint, measured starting from the perineum. This is one of the diagnostic codes the VA uses to evaluate lower-extremity amputations under the musculoskeletal rating schedule.

## Available Rating Level

Under this diagnostic code, the VA assigns the following rating:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **80%** | Amputation of the thigh at the upper third — one-third of the distance from the perineum to the knee joint, measured from the perineum |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a claim under this code, the VA focuses on the **location of the amputation** along the thigh. Specifically, it looks at whether the amputation falls within the upper third — that is, within one-third of the distance measured from the perineum toward the knee joint.

## Additional Note

The VA schedule indicates that an amputation rated at this level may also entitle the veteran to **special monthly compensation**.

---

*This overview is based on the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 5161 under 38 CFR § 4.71a. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts of each case.*

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