VASRD 5162 · Musculoskeletal System
Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third VA Disability Rating
This is an amputation of the thigh through its middle or lower third — below the upper third of the femur and above the knee. The schedule states a single evaluation covering that whole range, so how well a prosthesis fits does not move the percentage.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | The leg was amputated through the middle or lower part of the thigh, above the knee. |
How the VA Evaluates Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third
Requires surgical or clinical records showing the amputation falls in the middle or lower third of the thigh rather than the upper third, which the schedule rates separately and higher. DC 5162 states one evaluation for the middle-or-lower-third range, with no gradation for prosthetic function.
Approval outlook
High – clear-cut limb loss cases are well-supported.
Veterans service-connected
~2,300 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
- •Amputation surgery records documenting the level and circumstances of the amputation.
- •A VA prosthetic assessment report evaluating how well the prosthetic fits and functions.
- •Physical therapy evaluations tracking mobility and adaptation.
Strategy Tips
- •Submit photos or diagrams from the surgery showing the amputation level and stump condition, since these help establish exactly what this rating applies to.
- •List mobility limitations clearly, and consider adding a mental health evaluation for any adjustment difficulties, since psychological impact is a well-recognized secondary consequence of amputation.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Not documenting the level of the amputation, which is what separates this code from the upper-third code.
- •Lack of evidence for secondary pain or instability in the residual limb.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Missing prosthetic evaluation records that would establish how well the limb is actually functioning.
- •Not clearly linking the amputation to a service-connected injury or condition.
Onset Patterns
- •Thigh amputation can result suddenly from a traumatic injury, or develop gradually as a necessary treatment for progressive disease.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Phantom Limb Syndrome
Common neurological condition after amputation
Depression
Often triggered by life adjustment and mobility loss
Common questions about Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third
- Is Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third under VASRD diagnostic code 5162 (Musculoskeletal System). This is an amputation of the thigh through its middle or lower third — below the upper third of the femur and above the knee. The schedule states a single evaluation covering that whole range, so h…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third?
- Possible VA ratings for Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third are 60%. Examples: 60%: The leg was amputated through the middle or lower part of the thigh, above the knee..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third at around 60%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 2,300 veterans are service-connected for Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third. Estimated approval outlook: High – clear-cut limb loss cases…
- What evidence helps prove Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third claim includes: Amputation surgery records documenting the level and circumstances of the amputation.; A VA prosthetic assessment report evaluating how well the prosthetic fits and functions.; Physical therapy evaluations tracking mobility and adaptati…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third: Missing prosthetic evaluation records that would establish how well the limb is actually functioning.; Not clearly linking the amputation to a service-connected injury or condition..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third include: Phantom Limb Syndrome, Depression. 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 5162)
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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