Amputation of index finger
The VA rates Amputation of index finger under Diagnostic Code 5153, with separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm: 10% to 30% for the dominant arm and 10% to 20% for the non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition.
Catalog name: Index finger, amputation of.
Rating schedule · DC 5153 at a glance
- Dominant arm
- 10% to 30%
- Non-dominant arm
- 10% to 20%
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Major column of the published table
Minor column of the published table
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Amputation of index finger?
DC 5153 is rated separately for your dominant arm and your non-dominant arm. 38 CFR § 4.69 decides which arm is dominant.
Source: 38 CFR § 4.71a, eCFR as of .
Notes for DC 5153
- Note: The single finger amputation ratings are the only applicable ratings for amputations of whole or part of single fingers.
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Amputation of index finger in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5148Index and little
- 5149Long and ring
- 5150Long and little
- 5151Ring and little
- 5152Thumb, amputation of
- 5154Long finger, amputation of
- 5155Ring finger, amputation of
- 5156Little finger, amputation of
- 5170Toes, all, amputation of, without metatarsal loss or transmetatarsal, amputation of, with up to half of metatarsal loss
- 5171Toe, great, amputation of
What to do with a Amputation of index finger rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
On this site
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- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
Common Questions About Amputation of index finger VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Amputation of index finger?
Dominant arm: 10% to 30%; non-dominant arm: 10% to 20%, under DC 5153, 38 CFR § 4.71a. The applicable column depends on which arm is dominant under 38 CFR § 4.69.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Amputation of index finger?
The VA rates Amputation of index finger under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5153, published in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 30% dominant-arm rating for Amputation of index finger?
These figures are the dominant-arm column of DC 5153. A 10% dominant-arm rating is published for: Through middle phalanx or at distal joint. A 30% dominant-arm rating is published for: With metacarpal resection (more than one-half the bone lost). The non-dominant arm is rated on its own column, 10% to 20%.
Can Amputation of index finger qualify for TDIU?
Using the dominant-arm maximum: DC 5153 publishes up to 30% for the dominant arm and up to 20% for the non-dominant arm. That is below the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. Combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Amputation of index finger?
The key evidence for Amputation of index finger is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Amputation of index finger?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5153 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms. If you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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