VASRD 5111 · Amputations and Functional Loss
Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot VA Disability Rating
This is 38 CFR 4.71a DC 5111, "Loss of use of one hand and one foot" — one row in the combinations-of-disabilities table, paying a single evaluation of 100 percent when one hand and one foot have both lost all effective function. The limbs are still present; the test is functional. Anatomical loss of one hand together with loss of use of one foot is a different entry (DC 5104), as is anatomical loss of one hand and one foot (DC 5108).
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | One hand and one foot have both lost all effective function. DC 5111 publishes one evaluation only — 100 percent. |
How the VA Evaluates Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot
DC 5111 prints a single row in 38 CFR 4.71a's "combinations of disabilities" table: "Loss of use of one hand and one foot" at 100 percent. There is no lower tier under this code. The loss-of-use standard is stated in 4.71a's notes to the amputation ratings, 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." Both limbs must meet it. Taken alone, the hand is DC 5125 (70 percent dominant, 60 percent non-dominant) and the foot is DC 5167 (40 percent) — 4.71a's notes to DC 5283 and DC 5284 state "With actual loss of use of the foot, rate 40 percent."
Approval outlook
Moderate – hinges on severity and functional limitation proof.
Veterans service-connected
~90 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~100%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
Email me this Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot guide
Get the Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot rating criteria, evidence checklist, and strategy tips delivered to your inbox so you can review them anytime.
Best Evidence to Gather
- •Functional assessments from VA rehabilitation specialists.
- •Physician statements addressing the inability to use both limbs.
- •Documentation of assistive devices or prosthetics in use.
Strategy Tips
- •Include VA rehabilitation assessments covering both the affected hand and foot, since this combination needs to be documented together, not as two separate, unrelated claims.
- •Use lay statements describing your physical limitations, since combined upper- and lower-body loss has daily-life effects that clinical notes alone may not fully capture.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Failure to document the specific limitations in both the hand and foot.
- •Inconsistent functionality reports between the two affected limbs.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Claiming this rating without a prosthetic evaluation.
- •Lack of evidence showing the occupational impact of losing both limbs' function.
Onset Patterns
- •This combination typically results from significant service-related trauma or a late-stage neurological disease affecting multiple limbs.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot
- Is Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot under VASRD diagnostic code 5111 (Amputations and Functional Loss). This is 38 CFR 4.71a DC 5111, "Loss of use of one hand and one foot" — one row in the combinations-of-disabilities table, paying a single evaluation of 100 percent when one hand and one foot have…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot?
- Possible VA ratings for Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot are 100%. Examples: 100%: One hand and one foot have both lost all effective function. DC 5111 publishes one evaluation only — 100 percent..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot at around 100%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 90 veterans are service-connected for Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – hinges on severity and functional limita…
- What evidence helps prove Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot claim includes: Functional assessments from VA rehabilitation specialists.; Physician statements addressing the inability to use both limbs.; Documentation of assistive devices or prosthetics in use..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot: Claiming this rating without a prosthetic evaluation.; Lack of evidence showing the occupational impact of losing both limbs' function..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot include: Lower Back Pain, Anxiety. 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 5111)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
Estimate your combined rating
See how Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
Open the calculator
VA Calc: Disability Pay
Combine your ratings & see monthly pay on your iPhone · Works offline