Thigh, amputation of: middle or lower thirds DC 5162
VA rates it under diagnostic code 5162 in 38 CFR 4.71a. Body system: Legs & feet.
How VA rates it
The schedule has one rating level for this code: 60%.
It affects one leg, so each side is rated on its own. When both sides are rated, VA adds the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26).
The schedule marks this code for special monthly compensation (SMC-K), which is paid on top of your combined rating.
Source: 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 60% | Middle or lower thirds |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.71a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Leg, amputation of:
Conditions it can lead to
If this condition is service connected, these conditions are often claimed as secondary to it (38 CFR 3.310). Each one still needs its own diagnosis.
Arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease) DC 7005 Established link
VA's own rule says heart disease that develops after a service-connected leg amputation at or above the knee is caused by the amputation.
What to gather: A diagnosis of coronary artery disease or other heart disease. No nexus opinion is needed under 38 CFR 3.310(c), unless there is clear evidence against it.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310(c) (heart disease after leg amputation)
Hypertension DC 7101 Established link
VA's rule covers "other cardiovascular disease" after a service-connected leg amputation at or above the knee, which includes high blood pressure.
What to gather: A hypertension diagnosis with blood pressure readings taken on at least three different days.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310(c) (heart disease after leg amputation); 38 CFR 4.104
Knee (limited flexion) DC 5260 Possible link
After a leg amputation the other knee carries extra load, and arthritis in that knee is a documented long-term problem.
What to gather: A diagnosis of the second joint and a medical opinion explaining how the first condition changed the way you walk or carry weight.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); Gailey et al., Secondary physical conditions after lower-limb amputation (J Rehabil Res Dev, 2008)
Lower back (lumbosacral strain / DDD) DC 5237, 5242 Possible link
Walking with a prosthesis changes posture and stride, and lower back pain is a common long-term problem after leg amputation.
What to gather: A diagnosis of the second joint and a medical opinion explaining how the first condition changed the way you walk or carry weight.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); Gailey et al., Secondary physical conditions after lower-limb amputation (J Rehabil Res Dev, 2008)
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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