Thumb, ring and little — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5137)

The VA rates Thumb, ring and little under Diagnostic Code 5137 at the following tiers: 50%, 60%. The minimum 50% rating requires: 60. The maximum 60% rating requires: 50.

Diagnostic Code 5137 is the VA rating identifier for Thumb, 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 Thumb, ring and little under DC 5137 is 60%. This tier requires: 50. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Thumb, 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.

Thumb, ring and little is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5137. 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, 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 Thumb, 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.

Yes — a 60% rating for Thumb, ring and little alone meets the single-disability TDIU threshold under 38 CFR § 4.16(a). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, compensation is paid at the 100% rate.