Amputation of thumb
The VA rates Amputation of thumb under Diagnostic Code 5152, with separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm: 20% to 40% for the dominant arm and 20% to 30% for the non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition.
Catalog name: Thumb, amputation of.
Rating schedule · DC 5152 at a glance
- Dominant arm
- 20% to 40%
- Non-dominant arm
- 20% to 30%
- 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 thumb?
DC 5152 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 5152
- 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 thumb 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.
- 5147Index and ring
- 5148Index and little
- 5149Long and ring
- 5150Long and little
- 5151Ring and little
- 5153Index finger, 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
What to do with a Amputation of thumb rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
On this site
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- 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 thumb VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Amputation of thumb?
Dominant arm: 20% to 40%; non-dominant arm: 20% to 30%, under DC 5152, 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 thumb?
The VA rates Amputation of thumb under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5152, 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 40% dominant-arm rating for Amputation of thumb?
These figures are the dominant-arm column of DC 5152. A 20% dominant-arm rating is published for: At distal joint or through distal phalanx. A 40% dominant-arm rating is published for: With metacarpal resection. The non-dominant arm is rated on its own column, 20% to 30%.
Can Amputation of thumb qualify for TDIU?
Using the dominant-arm maximum: DC 5152 publishes up to 40% for the dominant arm and up to 30% for the non-dominant arm. That alone does not meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. With other service-connected disabilities combining to 70% or more, one of them at 40% or more, TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply, and extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Amputation of thumb?
The key evidence for Amputation of thumb 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 thumb?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5152 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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