VASRD 5163 · Musculoskeletal - Amputations
Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump VA Disability Rating
This code covers a below-knee amputation whose residual limb (stump) is defective enough that re-amputation through the thigh is recommended. What the code turns on is that recommendation, not the amputation level by itself, so documentation of how the stump fails is the core evidence.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | A below-the-knee amputation whose stump is bad enough that surgeons recommend re-amputating through the thigh. |
How the VA Evaluates Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump
DC 5163 is stated as a leg amputation "with defective stump, thigh amputation recommended," and it carries a single evaluation. The record that matters is surgical or prosthetics documentation of the stump defect together with a clinical recommendation that the amputation be revised to a thigh level.
Approval outlook
Moderate to high – when stump complications are well documented.
Veterans service-connected
~850 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~60%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •VA prosthetics clinic notes documenting the stump's condition.
- •Wound care or pain clinic reports.
- •Photos or imaging of the stump.
Strategy Tips
- •Show specifically how the stump interferes with prosthetic use, since this functional failure, not just the amputation itself, is what this code rates.
- •Include all wound and rehabilitation notes, since they document the ongoing attempts to make the prosthetic work and why they haven't succeeded.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Not distinguishing between a partial and a total failure of prosthetic use.
- •Missing functional mobility assessments that would establish the real-world impact.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Omitting photos or wound care evaluations.
- •No statements describing the specific prosthetic usage problems.
Onset Patterns
- •A defective stump typically results from a poor surgical outcome or an infection that complicated healing after the original amputation.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump
- Is Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump under VASRD diagnostic code 5163 (Musculoskeletal - Amputations). This code covers a below-knee amputation whose residual limb (stump) is defective enough that re-amputation through the thigh is recommended. What the code turns on is that recommendation, not th…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump?
- Possible VA ratings for Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump are 60%. Examples: 60%: A below-the-knee amputation whose stump is bad enough that surgeons recommend re-amputating through the thigh..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump at around 60%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 850 veterans are service-connected for Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate to high – when stump complications a…
- What evidence helps prove Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump claim includes: VA prosthetics clinic notes documenting the stump's condition.; Wound care or pain clinic reports.; Photos or imaging of the stump..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump: Omitting photos or wound care evaluations.; No statements describing the specific prosthetic usage problems..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump include: Neuroma, Infection. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5163)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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