Thumb, ring and little finger loss

To support a rating under this code, medical records should document the anatomical loss or loss of use of the thumb, ring finger, and little finger on the same hand. A VA or private examination that confirms the absence of these digits, or findings showing they cannot be used, directly addresses the rating criteria. Surgical or operative reports, imaging, and treatment records that show amputation or permanent loss of function are relevant.

Because the only distinction between the 60% and 50% ratings is which hand is affected, evidence clearly identifying your dominant hand matters. A statement from you or a treating provider noting which hand you use for writing, work tasks, or daily activities can help establish dominance. If your condition involves ankylosis rather than amputation, examination findings should document the degree of flexion or extension at each joint, the gap between fingertips and the palm crease, and whether joints are fixed in favorable or unfavorable positions, since those findings determine how VA applies the rating rules.