Amputation of the index finger at any level.
Medical records documenting the amputation are the foundation of a rating for this condition. The operative report or surgical notes should clearly describe the level of the amputation — specifically whether the cut was through the middle phalanx, at or near the proximal interphalangeal joint, or involved more than half of the metacarpal bone. That detail directly determines which rating level applies, so precise surgical documentation matters.
Imaging such as X-rays can show how much of the metacarpal bone remains, which is the key factor separating the 30% major or 20% minor level from the lower levels. Post-surgical examination findings that measure the remaining bone or document the residual stump also support this.
If the amputation affected other fingers on the same hand, records showing ankylosis or limited motion in those digits are relevant, since VA may consider the combined effect on the whole hand. Statements from you or people who know you describing how the loss of the index finger affects gripping, writing, or other tasks at work and in daily life can show the practical impact of the disability at any rating level.
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.
