Thigh Amputation, Upper Third

DC 5161Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5161

Amputation of the thigh at the upper third of the femur, leaving only a very short residual stump. This high-level above-knee amputation severely limits prosthetic options because the short stump provides minimal leverage for prosthetic control. The VA assigns a fixed 80 percent schedular rating. This amputation qualifies for special monthly compensation.

How the VA rates this condition

This condition has a fixed rating under VA regulations. Unlike most conditions, the rating does not vary based on severity. If the VA grants service connection, the rating percentage is set by regulation.

Diagnostic code

DC 5161

Rating range

80% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5161. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have amputation of the thigh at the upper third, leaving a very short femoral stump. The short stump significantly limits prosthetic fitting and function, and you may require a wheelchair for many activities.

What the VA looks for

Surgical or trauma records of upper-third thigh amputation
Stump length measurement confirming upper-third level
Limited prosthetic fitting options documented
Wheelchair dependence for many activities documented
Severe mobility impairment documented
Special monthly compensation eligibility documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the exact stump length — the distinction between upper-third (80%) and middle/lower-third (60%) thigh amputation depends on the measured distance from the perineum to the amputation level relative to the knee. Precise measurement is essential.
⚠Not claiming special monthly compensation (SMC) — upper-third thigh amputation qualifies for SMC-k and potentially higher levels depending on other disabilities.
⚠Not filing phantom limb pain as a separate secondary claim — chronic phantom leg pain is a neurological condition that should be documented and claimed separately.
⚠Not documenting prosthetic fit issues — the short stump creates significant prosthetic challenges including poor socket fit, pistoning, skin breakdown, and limited prosthetic knee control. All should be documented.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — compensatory low back pain, contralateral knee and hip problems, and upper extremity overuse from assistive devices should be claimed as secondary conditions.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Amputations

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Thigh Amputation, Upper Third

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5161

Rating range

80% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Surgical or trauma records of upper-third thigh amputation
Stump length measurement confirming upper-third level
Limited prosthetic fitting options documented
Wheelchair dependence for many activities documented
Severe mobility impairment documented
Special monthly compensation eligibility documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the exact stump length — the distinction between upper-third (80%) and middle/lower-third (60%) thigh amputation depends on the measured distance from the perineum to the amputation level relative to the knee. Precise measurement is essential.

⚠Not claiming special monthly compensation (SMC) — upper-third thigh amputation qualifies for SMC-k and potentially higher levels depending on other disabilities.

⚠Not filing phantom limb pain as a separate secondary claim — chronic phantom leg pain is a neurological condition that should be documented and claimed separately.

⚠Not documenting prosthetic fit issues — the short stump creates significant prosthetic challenges including poor socket fit, pistoning, skin breakdown, and limited prosthetic knee control. All should be documented.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — compensatory low back pain, contralateral knee and hip problems, and upper extremity overuse from assistive devices should be claimed as secondary conditions.