Thumb, long and ring finger loss

Medical records documenting the anatomical loss of the thumb, long finger, and ring finger are the foundation of a rating under this code. Operative reports, amputation records, or clinical notes confirming which digits were lost and whether the affected hand is your dominant or nondominant hand are directly relevant to whether the 60 percent or 50 percent rate applies.

A VA or private examination that clearly identifies the hand involved — major or minor — and confirms the absence of each of the three named digits supports the rating criteria. If ankylosis or limited motion is involved rather than outright amputation, examination findings should document joint positions, degrees of motion, and the gap between fingertips and the proximal transverse crease of the palm, since those measurements determine how VA classifies the level of disability. Statements from you or people who know you that describe how the loss of these digits affects tasks requiring grip, pinch, or fine motor control can help show the real-world impact, though the rating itself is tied to the anatomical findings.