What are the VA rating percentages for Ring Finger Amputation?

Ring Finger Amputation (DC 5155) is rated at 20%, 10% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5155. With metacarpal resection (more than one-half the bone lost) — Major or Minor (same rating).

What rates 20% for Ring Finger Amputation under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5155?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5155 (DC 5155), a 20% rating for Ring Finger Amputation requires: With metacarpal resection (more than one-half the bone lost) — Major or Minor (same rating).

What rates 10% for Ring Finger Amputation under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5155?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5155 (DC 5155), a 10% rating for Ring Finger Amputation requires: Without metacarpal resection, at proximal interphalangeal joint or proximal thereto — Major or Minor (same rating).

What happens during a C&P exam for Ring Finger Amputation?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Ring Finger Amputation

Q: What evidence do I need for a Ring Finger Amputation VA claim?

Key evidence for a Ring Finger Amputation claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 515538 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5155

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

10–20%

2 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Ring Finger Amputation is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5155 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5155 across 2 severity tiers (20% / 10%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Amputation of the ring finger at various levels, affecting grip strength and hand function for grasping and holding objects

Rating Criteria

20%

With metacarpal resection (more than one-half the bone lost) — Major or Minor (same rating).

10%

Without metacarpal resection, at proximal interphalangeal joint or proximal thereto — Major or Minor (same rating).

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a (Musculoskeletal system). Source verified 2026-05-27 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.71a on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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