Thumb and long — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5143)

The VA rates Thumb and long under Diagnostic Code 5143 at the following tiers: 40%, 50%. The minimum 40% rating requires: 50. The maximum 50% rating requires: 40.

Diagnostic Code 5143 is the VA rating identifier for Thumb and long 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 Thumb and long under DC 5143 is 50%. This tier requires: 40. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Thumb and long alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Thumb and long is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5143. 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 Thumb and long 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 Thumb and long 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.

Thumb and long maxes at 50%, 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 Thumb and long alone prevents work regardless of the rating percentage.