Loss of one foot and loss of use of one hand

To support a rating under this code, medical evidence needs to show two things: the anatomical loss of one foot and the loss of use of one hand. For the foot, records documenting an amputation — such as surgical reports, hospital discharge summaries, or imaging — establish the anatomical loss. For the hand, evidence needs to show that the hand has no practical use, even if it is physically present. This can come from examination findings documenting the absence of functional grip, strength, or movement, as well as physician statements describing what the hand cannot do. Statements from you or people who know you, describing how the loss of the foot and the loss of hand function affect your ability to work, move around, and carry out daily tasks, can also help VA understand the full picture of your disability. Records noting the level of each loss — whether below or above the wrist, knee, or elbow — matter because they determine which special monthly compensation code applies.