What rates 60% for Hand Amputation/Loss under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5125?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5125 (DC 5125), a 60% rating for Hand Amputation/Loss requires: Minor (non-dominant) hand at these levels rates 60 percent.

What happens during a C&P exam for Hand Amputation/Loss?

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.

← All Condition Guides

CLAIM RECON INTEL

Hand Amputation/Loss

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Hand Amputation/Loss?

Hand Amputation/Loss (DC 5125) is rated at 70%, 60% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5125. DC 5125 verbatim — Hand, loss of use of: 70 percent (major dominant) / 60 percent (minor). DC 5126 verbatim — Five digits of one hand, amputation of: 70 percent (major) / 60 percent (minor). Both footnote 1 SMC entitled.

Q: What rates 70% for Hand Amputation/Loss under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5125?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5125 (DC 5125), a 70% rating for Hand Amputation/Loss requires: DC 5125 verbatim — Hand, loss of use of: 70 percent (major dominant) / 60 percent (minor). DC 5126 verbatim — Five digits of one hand, amputation of: 70 percent (major) / 60 percent (minor). Both footnote 1 SMC entitled.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Hand Amputation/Loss VA claim?

Key evidence for a Hand Amputation/Loss 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 512538 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5125

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

60–70%

2 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Hand Amputation/Loss is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5125 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5125 across 2 severity tiers (70% / 60%). 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 or complete loss of the hand at the wrist level, requiring prosthetic use and causing total loss of grip and manipulation

Rating Criteria

70%

DC 5125 verbatim — Hand, loss of use of: 70 percent (major dominant) / 60 percent (minor). DC 5126 verbatim — Five digits of one hand, amputation of: 70 percent (major) / 60 percent (minor). Both footnote 1 SMC entitled.

60%

Minor (non-dominant) hand at these levels rates 60 percent.

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 reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →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

LOADING