Amputation of the index and little fingers on one hand.
To support a rating under this code, medical records should clearly document the anatomical loss of both the index finger and the little finger on the same hand. Surgical operative reports, pathology records, or treatment notes confirming amputation or absence of these fingers are directly relevant. VA examination findings that identify which hand is affected — and confirm that hand as your major or minor hand — help establish whether the 40% or 30% rate applies.
If your condition involves ankylosis or limited motion rather than outright loss, examination records measuring joint angles and the gap between fingertips and the palm become important, since the rating schedule uses those measurements to determine how a restricted or fixed finger is evaluated. Statements from you or people who know you describing how the loss of these two fingers affects your ability to grip, handle objects, or perform work tasks can also help show the full extent of the functional impairment documented in your medical records.
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.
