VASRD 5125 · Musculoskeletal System
Hand, Loss of Use VA Disability Rating
This code covers loss of use of one hand - the point at which the hand keeps no effective function, whether the cause is a crush injury, nerve paralysis or anything else. It rates the dominant (major) hand at 70 percent and the non-dominant (minor) hand at 60. It is loss of function, not amputation: the amputation levels have their own codes.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Hand, Loss of Use
DC 5125's single criterion row is "Hand, loss of use of", rated 70 percent in the major (dominant) column and 60 percent in the minor (non-dominant) column. The threshold the term carries is the note closing the multiple finger amputations table at 38 CFR 4.71a (DC 5151, note (f)): "Loss of use of the hand will be held to exist when no effective function remains other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation stump with a suitable prosthetic appliance." Grip testing, dexterity testing and occupational-therapy assessments matter because they establish whether any effective function remains - no particular grip score sets a tier. Once the threshold is met, only hand dominance moves the evaluation.
Approval outlook
High (~80%) if fully documented.
Veterans service-connected
~500 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~70%
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
- •Occupational therapy reports assessing hand function.
- •Strength testing and daily task logs.
Strategy Tips
- •Describe the tasks the hand can no longer do at all, since the question is whether any effective function remains rather than how much strength was lost.
- •Document how completely you rely on the other hand and on adaptive equipment; that is direct evidence on the remaining-function question.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Documenting weakness, reduced grip or clumsiness rather than the schedule's threshold - that no effective function remains beyond what an amputation stump with a suitable prosthesis would provide.
- •Claiming the 70 percent column without documentation establishing which hand is dominant.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Submitting the claim without documented task limitations.
- •Not distinguishing which hand (dominant or non-dominant) is affected.
Onset Patterns
- •This condition typically follows a major crush injury, amputation, or nerve paralysis affecting the hand.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Hand, Loss of Use. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Hand, Loss of Use
- Is Hand, Loss of Use a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Hand, Loss of Use under VASRD diagnostic code 5125 (Musculoskeletal System). This code covers loss of use of one hand - the point at which the hand keeps no effective function, whether the cause is a crush injury, nerve paralysis or anything else. It rates the dominant (major) hand at 70 percent and…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Hand, Loss of Use?
- Possible VA ratings for Hand, Loss of Use are 70%, 60%. Examples: 70%: Your dominant hand retains no effective function. Loss of use of the dominant hand rates 70 percent.; 60%: The same complete loss of function in your non-dominant hand rates 60 percent..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Hand, Loss of Use?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Hand, Loss of Use at around 70%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 500 veterans are service-connected for Hand, Loss of Use. Estimated approval outlook: High (~80%) if fully documented.
- What evidence helps prove Hand, Loss of Use for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Hand, Loss of Use claim includes: Occupational therapy reports assessing hand function.; Strength testing and daily task logs..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Hand, Loss of Use?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Hand, Loss of Use: Submitting the claim without documented task limitations.; Not distinguishing which hand (dominant or non-dominant) is affected..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Hand, Loss of Use?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Hand, Loss of Use include: Depression, Shoulder Strain. 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 5125)
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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