VASRD 5214 · Musculoskeletal System
Ankylosis of the Wrist VA Disability Rating
Ankylosis of the wrist is a wrist fixed in one position that no longer moves. DC 5214 rates it by the position the wrist is fused in and by which hand it is - the schedule prints a major (dominant) and a minor (non-dominant) column, and the dominant wrist rates one step higher at every position. A wrist fixed in an extremely unfavorable position is not rated under this code at all: its note sends that case to DC 5125, loss of use of the hand.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Your dominant wrist is fused bent toward the palm, or off to one side. |
| 40% | Either your non-dominant wrist is fused in one of those bad positions, or your dominant wrist is fused somewhere other than the favorable angle. |
| 30% | Your non-dominant wrist is fused outside the favorable angle, or your dominant wrist is fused at the favorable angle. |
| 20% | Your non-dominant wrist is fused at the favorable angle - bent back 20 to 30 degrees. |
How the VA Evaluates Ankylosis of the Wrist
DC 5214 has three rating rows, each with a major (dominant) and a minor (non-dominant) value. Unfavorable ankylosis - in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation - is 50 percent major and 40 percent minor. Any other position except favorable is 40 major and 30 minor. Favorable ankylosis in 20 to 30 degrees of dorsiflexion is 30 major and 20 minor. The position the wrist is fixed in is what moves the evaluation, so the exam has to record the fixed angle and the direction of any ulnar or radial deviation, and the file has to establish hand dominance. The code closes with a note: 'Extremely unfavorable ankylosis will be rated as loss of use of hands under diagnostic code 5125', which is 70 percent for the dominant hand and 60 for the non-dominant one.
Approval outlook
Moderate – higher if dominant hand affected and imaging provided.
Veterans service-connected
~5,400 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~40%
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
- •X-rays or CT confirming bony ankylosis of the wrist
- •An examination that records the exact angle the wrist is fixed at and any ulnar or radial deviation
- •Documentation of hand dominance, since every row of DC 5214 differs between the major and minor columns
- •Occupational therapy or functional-use notes describing what the fixed wrist prevents
Strategy Tips
- •Include angle of fixation in degrees
- •Get a functional impact report from an occupational therapist
- •Specify whether dominant or non-dominant wrist is affected
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Not stating dominant hand
- •Failure to describe position of fixation
- •No clinical imaging submitted
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Leaving out radiographic proof
- •Omitting effect on daily activities
- •Failing to differentiate favorable vs. unfavorable
Onset Patterns
- •Usually from severe wrist fracture or surgical fusion
- •Can occur over time from advanced rheumatoid arthritis
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Ankylosis of the Wrist. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Ankylosis of the Wrist
- Is Ankylosis of the Wrist a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Ankylosis of the Wrist under VASRD diagnostic code 5214 (Musculoskeletal System). Ankylosis of the wrist is a wrist fixed in one position that no longer moves. DC 5214 rates it by the position the wrist is fused in and by which hand it is - the schedule prints a major (dominant) and a minor (non-domi…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Wrist?
- Possible VA ratings for Ankylosis of the Wrist are 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%. Examples: 50%: Your dominant wrist is fused bent toward the palm, or off to one side.; 40%: Either your non-dominant wrist is fused in one of those bad positions, or your dominant wrist is fused somewhere other than the favorable angle.; 30%: Your…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosis of the Wrist?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Ankylosis of the Wrist at around 40%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 5,400 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of the Wrist. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – higher if dominant hand affected and imaging provided.
- What evidence helps prove Ankylosis of the Wrist for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Ankylosis of the Wrist claim includes: X-rays or CT confirming bony ankylosis of the wrist; An examination that records the exact angle the wrist is fixed at and any ulnar or radial deviation; Documentation of hand dominance, since every row of DC 5214 differs between the major and minor columns;…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of the Wrist?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of the Wrist: Leaving out radiographic proof; Omitting effect on daily activities; Failing to differentiate favorable vs. unfavorable.
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist include: Grip Weakness, Tendonitis. 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 5214)
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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