VASRD 5215 · Musculoskeletal System

Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) VA Disability Rating

A fused wrist joint with no ability to bend, often due to trauma or arthritis.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
50%Wrist stuck in a bad angle, severely limiting use.
40%Wrist locked at a functional angle but still limits motion.

How the VA Evaluates Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major)

Confirmed by radiographic imaging or clinical evidence of joint immobility.

Approval rate

Moderate – higher if dominant hand affected and imaging provided.

Annual service-connected

5,400 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •X-rays showing fusion of wrist bones
  • •Occupational therapy report
  • •Range of motion findings

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 (Major). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Grip Weakness

    Reduced wrist flexibility affects hand strength

  • Tendonitis

    Compensation in nearby tendons from reduced wrist movement

Common questions about Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major)

Is Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) under VASRD diagnostic code 5215 (Musculoskeletal System). A fused wrist joint with no ability to bend, often due to trauma or arthritis.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major)?
Possible VA ratings for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) are 50%, 40%. Examples: 50% — Wrist stuck in a bad angle, severely limiting use.; 40% — Wrist locked at a functional angle but still limits motion..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major)?
The average awarded rating for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) is 40%. Roughly 5,400 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – higher if dominant hand affected and imaging provided..
What evidence helps prove Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) claim includes: X-rays showing fusion of wrist bones; Occupational therapy report; Range of motion findings.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major): 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 (Major)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) include: Grip Weakness, Tendonitis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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