Amputation of the little finger at any level.
The key factor separating the two rating levels is whether more than one-half of the metacarpal bone was removed. Surgical records, operative reports, and pathology notes are the most direct evidence of this. Post-surgical imaging such as X-rays can show how much metacarpal bone remains and help confirm whether resection occurred at the level the regulation requires.
For the 10 percent level, records showing the amputation site was at or near the proximal interphalangeal joint, with the metacarpal largely intact, would be relevant. A VA or private examination that measures and documents the exact level of amputation supports this determination.
If more than one finger on the same hand is affected, examination findings documenting the condition of each finger — including range of motion, any ankylosis, and the gap between fingertips and the palm crease — help VA determine which rating level best represents your overall hand disability. Your own statements describing how the amputation affects tasks at work and in daily life can also be part of the record.
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.
