Amputation of the thumb and little finger on one hand.
To support a rating under diagnostic code 5145, your records need to show the anatomical loss of both the thumb and the little finger on the same hand, and which hand is affected. Surgical operative reports, pathology reports, or discharge summaries documenting amputation of both digits are the most direct evidence. Imaging such as X-rays can confirm the absence of the digits.
A VA or private examination that identifies the hand as your major or dominant hand versus your minor or nondominant hand is important, because that distinction determines whether the 50% or 40% rate applies. The examiner's physical findings and any measurements recorded in the examination report support that determination.
Statements from you or people who know you describing how the loss of these two digits affects your ability to grip, pinch, or perform tasks at work and in daily life can round out the picture of overall disability, particularly if VA needs to weigh the combined effect of the losses under the multi-digit evaluation rules.
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.
