Thumb, index and little

The VA rates Thumb, index and little under Diagnostic Code 5134 at 50%, 60%. The minimum 50% rating requires: 60. The maximum 60% rating requires: 50.

The VA rates Thumb, index and little 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.

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.

Yes — a 60% rating for Thumb, index and little 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.

The key evidence for Thumb, index 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.

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.