Amputation of thumb and long fingers
The VA rates Amputation of thumb and long fingers under Diagnostic Code 5143 across 2 severity levels, from 40% to 50%. 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: Thumb and long.
Rating schedule — DC 5143 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 40%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- 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%
40%, 50%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Amputation of thumb and long fingers?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | 50 |
| 50% | 40 |
“40”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Amputation of thumb and long fingers 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.
- 5138Index, long and ringRated up to 50%
- 5139Index, long and littleRated up to 50%
- 5140Index, ring and littleRated up to 50%
- 5141Long, ring and littleRated up to 40%
- 5142Thumb and indexRated up to 50%
- 5144Thumb and ringRated up to 50%
- 5145Thumb and littleRated up to 50%
- 5146Index and longRated up to 40%
- 5147Index and ringRated up to 40%
- 5148Index and littleRated up to 40%
Common Questions About Amputation of thumb and long fingers VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Amputation of thumb and long fingers?
The VA rates Amputation of thumb and long fingers under Diagnostic Code 5143 at 40%, 50%. The minimum 40% rating requires: 50. The maximum 50% rating requires: 40.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Amputation of thumb and long fingers?
The VA rates Amputation of thumb and long fingers under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5143, 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 40% and a 50% rating for Amputation of thumb and long fingers?
A 40% rating requires: 50. A 50% rating requires: 40. 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 thumb and long fingers qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Amputation of thumb and long fingers maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Amputation of thumb and long fingers?
The key evidence for Amputation of thumb and long fingers 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 and long fingers?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5143 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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