VASRD 5223 · Musculoskeletal

Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) VA Disability Rating

A condition where the wrist is stuck in a harmful position and cannot move.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
50%Dominant wrist frozen in a bad position, severely limiting use.
40%Non-dominant wrist frozen in a harmful position with major function loss.

How the VA Evaluates Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)

Requires imaging and clinical exam showing joint immobility in unfavorable position with loss of pronation/supination.

Approval rate

Moderate – stronger if fused or post-surgical with severe function loss.

Annual service-connected

10,320 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Orthopedic exam showing ankylosis and restricted motion
  • •X-rays or MRIs confirming joint fusion or loss of function
  • •Doctor’s note describing loss of use and position of the wrist

Strategy Tips

  • •Include statements about difficulty with tools, typing, lifting
  • •Have provider clarify hand dominance in the exam
  • •List how wrist immobility affects daily tasks like grooming or eating

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not demonstrating range-of-motion limitations clearly
  • •Underreporting functional impact of wrist position
  • •Not clarifying if the wrist is dominant or non-dominant

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Submitting without imaging evidence
  • •Not specifying dominant hand
  • •Failing to describe how wrist affects job or daily life

Onset Patterns

  • •Post-traumatic (fracture or dislocation leading to ankylosis)
  • •Surgical fusion outcomes
  • •Advanced arthritis resulting in joint stiffening

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    Abnormal wrist angles compress the median nerve

  • Elbow Tendonitis

    Altered wrist movement stresses elbow tendons

  • Shoulder Impingement

    Compensatory overuse of shoulder muscles

Common questions about Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)

Is Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) under VASRD diagnostic code 5223 (Musculoskeletal). A condition where the wrist is stuck in a harmful position and cannot move.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)?
Possible VA ratings for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) are 50%, 40%. Examples: 50% — Dominant wrist frozen in a bad position, severely limiting use.; 40% — Non-dominant wrist frozen in a harmful position with major function loss..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)?
The average awarded rating for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) is 40%. Roughly 10,320 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – stronger if fused or post-surgical with severe function los…
What evidence helps prove Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) claim includes: Orthopedic exam showing ankylosis and restricted motion; X-rays or MRIs confirming joint fusion or loss of function; Doctor’s note describing loss of use and position of the wrist.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable): Submitting without imaging evidence; Not specifying dominant hand; Failing to describe how wrist affects job or daily life.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) include: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Elbow Tendonitis, Shoulder Impingement. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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