Ring and little
The VA rates Ring and little under Diagnostic Code 5151 across 2 severity levels, from 20% to 30%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 5151 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- 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%
20%, 30%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Ring and little?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | 30 |
| 30% | 20 |
“20”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Ring and little 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.
- 5146Index and longRated up to 40%
- 5147Index and ringRated up to 40%
- 5148Index and littleRated up to 40%
- 5149Long and ringRated up to 30%
- 5150Long 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%
- 5156Little finger, amputation ofRated up to 20%
What to do with a Ring and little rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
Calculate
On this site
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 Ring and little VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Ring and little?
The VA rates Ring and little under Diagnostic Code 5151 at 20%, 30%. The minimum 20% rating requires: 30. The maximum 30% rating requires: 20.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Ring and little?
The VA rates Ring and little under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5151, 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 20% and a 30% rating for Ring and little?
A 20% rating requires: 30. A 30% rating requires: 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 Ring and little qualify for TDIU?
Ring and little maxes at 30%, 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 Ring and little?
The key evidence for Ring and little 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 Ring and little?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5151 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.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits