Ring and little — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5151)

The VA rates Ring and little under Diagnostic Code 5151 at the following tiers: 20%, 30%. The minimum 20% rating requires: 30. The maximum 30% rating requires: 20.

Diagnostic Code 5151 is the VA rating identifier for Ring 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 Ring and little under DC 5151 is 30%. This tier requires: 20. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Ring 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.

Ring and little is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5151. 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 Ring 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 Ring 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.

Ring and little maxes at 30%, 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 Ring and little alone prevents work regardless of the rating percentage.