Amputation of ring finger
The VA rates Amputation of ring finger under Diagnostic Code 5155 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: Ring finger, amputation of.
Rating schedule — DC 5155 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%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Amputation of ring 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 ring 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.
- 5150Long and littleRated up to 30%
- 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%
- 5156Little 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%
Common Questions About Amputation of ring finger VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Amputation of ring finger?
The VA rates Amputation of ring finger under Diagnostic Code 5155 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 ring finger?
The VA rates Amputation of ring finger under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5155, governed by 38 CFR 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 ring 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 ring finger qualify for TDIU?
Amputation of ring 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 ring finger?
The key evidence for Amputation of ring 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 ring finger?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5155 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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