Amputation of thumb, index and long fingers
The VA rates Amputation of thumb, index and long fingers under Diagnostic Code 5132 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 long.
Rating schedule — DC 5132 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 long 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 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.
- 5053Wrist replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
- 5054Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)Rated up to 100%
- 5055Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)Rated up to 100%
- 5056Ankle replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
- 5131Index, long, ring and littleRated up to 60%
- 5133Thumb, index and ringRated up to 60%
- 5134Thumb, index and littleRated up to 60%
- 5135Thumb, long and ringRated up to 60%
- 5136Thumb, long and littleRated up to 60%
- 5137Thumb, ring and littleRated up to 60%
Common Questions About Amputation of thumb, index and long fingers VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Amputation of thumb, index and long fingers?
The VA rates Amputation of thumb, index and long fingers under Diagnostic Code 5132 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 long fingers?
The VA rates Amputation of thumb, index and long fingers under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5132, 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 long 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 long fingers qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Amputation of thumb, index and long 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 long fingers?
The key evidence for Amputation of thumb, index 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, index and long fingers?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5132 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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