Amputation of thumb, index and little fingers
The VA rates Amputation of thumb, index and little fingers under Diagnostic Code 5134 across 2 severity levels, from 50% to 60%. 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, index and little.
Rating schedule — DC 5134 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 50%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- 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%
50%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Amputation of thumb, index and little fingers?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | 60 |
| 60% | 50 |
“50”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Amputation of thumb, index and little 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.
- 5055Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)Rated up to 100%
- 5056Ankle replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
- 5131Index, long, ring and littleRated up to 60%
- 5132Thumb, index and longRated up to 60%
- 5133Thumb, index and ringRated up to 60%
- 5135Thumb, long and ringRated up to 60%
- 5136Thumb, long and littleRated up to 60%
- 5137Thumb, ring and littleRated up to 60%
- 5138Index, long and ringRated up to 50%
- 5139Index, long and littleRated up to 50%
Common Questions About Amputation of thumb, index and little fingers VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Amputation of thumb, index and little fingers?
The VA rates Amputation of thumb, index and little fingers under Diagnostic Code 5134 at 50%, 60%. The minimum 50% rating requires: 60. The maximum 60% rating requires: 50.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Amputation of thumb, index and little fingers?
The VA rates Amputation of thumb, index and little fingers under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5134, 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 50% and a 60% rating for Amputation of thumb, index and little fingers?
A 50% rating requires: 60. A 60% rating requires: 50. 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, index and little fingers qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Amputation of thumb, index and little fingers alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Amputation of thumb, index and little fingers?
The key evidence for Amputation of thumb, index and little 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, index and little fingers?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5134 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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