Index and little — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5148)

The VA rates Index and little under Diagnostic Code 5148 at the following tiers: 30%, 40%. The minimum 30% rating requires: 40. The maximum 40% rating requires: 30.

Diagnostic Code 5148 is the VA rating identifier for Index and little within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Index and little under DC 5148 is 40%. This tier requires: 30. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Index and little alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Index and little is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5148. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Index and little may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

The key evidence for Index and little depends on the body system. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and documented flare-ups are the most impactful evidence. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.

Index and little maxes at 40%, below the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is available if Index and little alone prevents work regardless of the rating percentage.