TurboVets is fully live. For support, please submit tickets in app.
Sign In to TurboVets
Your Data is Protected. Never Sold. Never Used for Profit.
Read our FAQ
5123
§ 4.71a Schedule of ratings—musculoskeletal system.

Forearm amputation above mid-forearm

Amputation of the forearm above the mid-forearm level.

What the rating means

Forearm amputation above the insertion of the pronator teres — a point in the upper forearm — is rated under diagnostic code 5123. VA assigns one of two ratings depending on which arm was amputated. If the amputation is on your major side (your dominant arm), the rating is 80 percent. If the amputation is on your minor side (your nondominant arm), the rating is 70 percent. There are no intermediate steps between these two levels; the only distinction the regulation draws is which arm is affected. If you have lost extremities on more than one limb, VA may also consider combined-loss ratings under separate provisions of 38 CFR 3.350, which can result in additional compensation beyond what diagnostic code 5123 alone provides.

Evidence that helps

To support a rating under this code, the most direct evidence is documentation confirming that an amputation occurred above the insertion of the pronator teres on one or both forearms. Surgical records, operative reports, or hospital discharge summaries that describe the level and location of the amputation are central to establishing this. A VA or private examination report that identifies the residual limb and confirms the anatomical level — specifically that it is above the pronator teres insertion — directly ties your condition to this diagnostic code. Records identifying which arm is your dominant arm help VA determine whether the major or minor rate applies. If both arms are affected, records documenting the extent of loss on each side support evaluation under the multiple-loss provisions. Statements from you or people who know you describing how the amputation affects your ability to work and carry out daily tasks can also help VA understand the full impact of your condition.

Secondary conditions

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.