Amputation of little finger
The VA rates Amputation of little finger under Diagnostic Code 5156 across 2 severity levels, from 10% to 20%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Little finger, amputation of.
Rating schedule — DC 5156 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 20%
- Rating tiers
- 2
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Amputation of little finger?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Without metacarpal resection, at proximal interphalangeal joint or proximal thereto; 10 |
| 20% | With metacarpal resection (more than one-half the bone lost); 20 |
“With metacarpal resection (more than one-half the bone lost); 20”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Amputation of little 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.
- 5151Ring and littleRated up to 30%
- 5152Thumb, amputation ofRated up to 40%
- 5153Index finger, amputation ofRated up to 30%
- 5154Long finger, amputation ofRated up to 20%
- 5155Ring finger, amputation ofRated up to 20%
- 5170Toes, all, amputation of, without metatarsal loss or transmetatarsal, amputation of, with up to half of metatarsal lossRated up to 30%
- 5171Toe, great, amputation ofRated up to 30%
- 5172Toes, other than great, amputation of, with removal of metatarsal headRated up to 20%
- 5173Toes, three or four, amputation of, without metatarsal involvementRated up to 20%
- 5200Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis ofRated up to 50%
What to do with a Amputation of little finger rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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Read next
- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- 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 little finger VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Amputation of little finger?
The VA rates Amputation of little finger under Diagnostic Code 5156 at 10%, 20%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Without metacarpal resection, at proximal interphalangeal joint or proximal thereto; 10. The maximum 20% rating requires: With metacarpal resection (more than one-half the bone lost); 20.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Amputation of little finger?
The VA rates Amputation of little finger under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5156, 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 20% rating for Amputation of little finger?
A 10% rating requires: Without metacarpal resection, at proximal interphalangeal joint or proximal thereto; 10. A 20% rating requires: With metacarpal resection (more than one-half the bone lost); 20. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Amputation of little finger qualify for TDIU?
Amputation of little finger maxes at 20%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Amputation of little finger?
The key evidence for Amputation of little 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 little finger?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5156 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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