VASRD 5109 · Neurological / Musculoskeletal

Loss of Use of Both Hands VA Disability Rating

Inability to use both hands for daily tasks due to nerve or muscular loss.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Completely unable to use hands for basic functions

How the VA Evaluates Loss of Use of Both Hands

Loss of motor function, inability to grasp or manipulate objects.

Approval rate

Very High (~95%) if documented by specialist.

Annual service-connected

85 veterans

Average rating

100%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Occupational therapy evaluations
  • Neurologist or orthopedic reports

Strategy Tips

  • Have documentation from two types of specialists
  • Include assistive device usage

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Partial use being claimed as total loss
  • Inconsistent testing

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Not distinguishing from amputation
  • Lack of supporting function tests

Onset Patterns

  • Nerve degeneration, paralysis, trauma

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Depression

    Loss of independence

  • Shoulder Tendonitis

    Overcompensation

Common questions about Loss of Use of Both Hands

Is Loss of Use of Both Hands a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Loss of Use of Both Hands under VASRD diagnostic code 5109 (Neurological / Musculoskeletal). Inability to use both hands for daily tasks due to nerve or muscular loss.
What VA disability rating can I get for Loss of Use of Both Hands?
Possible VA ratings for Loss of Use of Both Hands are 100%. Examples: 100% — Completely unable to use hands for basic functions.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Loss of Use of Both Hands?
The average awarded rating for Loss of Use of Both Hands is 100%. Roughly 85 veterans are service-connected for Loss of Use of Both Hands each year. Typical approval likelihood: Very High (~95%) if documented by specialist..
What evidence helps prove Loss of Use of Both Hands for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Loss of Use of Both Hands claim includes: Occupational therapy evaluations; Neurologist or orthopedic reports.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Loss of Use of Both Hands?
Common pitfalls when filing for Loss of Use of Both Hands: Not distinguishing from amputation; Lack of supporting function tests.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Loss of Use of Both Hands?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Loss of Use of Both Hands include: Depression, Shoulder Tendonitis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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