VASRD 5106 · Musculoskeletal System

Hand, Loss of Use VA Disability Rating

Complete inability to use the hand for grasping or manipulation.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
70%Cannot use main hand
60%Non-primary hand disabled

How the VA Evaluates Hand, Loss of Use

Grip strength, functional tests (buttoning, holding), orthopedic evaluation.

Approval rate

High (~80%) if fully documented.

Annual service-connected

500 veterans

Average rating

70%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Occupational therapy reports
  • •Strength testing and daily task logs

Strategy Tips

  • •Describe tasks you can no longer do
  • •Highlight dependence on other hand

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not showing complete functional loss
  • •Claiming without dominant hand proof

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Submitting without task limitations
  • •Not distinguishing dominant hand

Onset Patterns

  • •After major crush injury, amputation, or nerve paralysis

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Hand, Loss of Use. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Depression

    Loss of independence

  • Shoulder Strain

    Overuse of opposite side

Common questions about Hand, Loss of Use

Is Hand, Loss of Use a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Hand, Loss of Use under VASRD diagnostic code 5106 (Musculoskeletal System). Complete inability to use the hand for grasping or manipulation.
What VA disability rating can I get for Hand, Loss of Use?
Possible VA ratings for Hand, Loss of Use are 70%, 60%. Examples: 70% — Cannot use main hand; 60% — Non-primary hand disabled.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Hand, Loss of Use?
The average awarded rating for Hand, Loss of Use is 70%. Roughly 500 veterans are service-connected for Hand, Loss of Use each year. Typical approval likelihood: High (~80%) if fully documented..
What evidence helps prove Hand, Loss of Use for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Hand, Loss of Use claim includes: Occupational therapy reports; Strength testing and daily task logs.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Hand, Loss of Use?
Common pitfalls when filing for Hand, Loss of Use: Submitting without task limitations; Not distinguishing dominant hand.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Hand, Loss of Use?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Hand, Loss of Use include: Depression, Shoulder Strain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Hand, Loss of Use combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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