Musculoskeletal

DC 5160

Complete amputation, lower extremity

Educational use only. Not legal or medical advice. Read 38 CFR §4.71a on eCFR
Diagnostic Code
5160
CFR Section
§4.71a — Musculoskeletal

Rating Tiers

100%

Trans-pelvic amputation (involving complete removal of the femur and intrinsic pelvic musculature along with any portion of the pelvic bones). Also entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC).

90%

Disarticulation (involving complete removal of the femur and intrinsic pelvic musculature only). Also entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC).

Rated Under Formula

This condition is rated using the §4.71a general rating formula.

What Raters Look For

Based on M21-1 adjudication criteria for Musculoskeletal conditions. These are the factors a VA rater evaluates when assigning a rating percentage.

M21-1 III.iv.4.A
  • •Range of motion measurements in degrees for each affected joint, recorded on examination
  • •Pain on motion — whether pain limits motion before the normal end point is reached
  • •Functional loss — specific activities the Veteran cannot perform due to the condition
  • •Flare-up history: how often they occur, how severe, and how long they last (Veteran's statement counts)
  • •Effects of repetitive motion (whether additional loss of motion occurs after repeated use)
  • •Muscle atrophy, guarding, or tenderness noted on physical exam
  • •Whether ankylosis (complete fixation) is present and in a favorable or unfavorable position
  • •Imaging findings: X-ray, MRI, or CT reports noting bone/joint changes
NoteRaters must consider functional loss from pain even if range of motion appears near-normal. A lay statement describing flare-ups carries evidentiary weight.