Amputation of the index, long, ring, and little fingers.
Medical records that document the actual amputation of all four fingers — the index, long, ring, and little fingers — are the foundation of a rating under this code. Surgical operative reports, pathology notes, and imaging that show the level and extent of the amputation help VA apply the correct rating.
Records identifying which hand is your major (dominant) hand and which is your minor (non-dominant) hand matter directly, because the regulation assigns different percentages to each. A statement from you or a treating provider noting your dominant hand can support this determination.
If your condition involves ankylosis or severely limited motion rather than a clean amputation, examination findings that document joint position, the gap between fingertips and the palm crease when flexed, and whether rotation or angulation is present are relevant. Your own statements describing how the loss of these fingers affects tasks at work and in daily life — gripping, writing, lifting, or self-care — can help VA understand the full impact of the disability.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
