VASRD 5111 · Amputation/Paralysis

Loss of Use of One Hand VA Disability Rating

Inability to use one hand due to nerve damage, injury, or deformity.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
70%No use of hand at all

How the VA Evaluates Loss of Use of One Hand

Neurologic testing, EMG, and functional use assessments.

Approval rate

High (~85%) when clearly documented.

Annual service-connected

1,200 veterans

Average rating

70%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Functional capacity evaluation
  • Occupational therapy notes

Strategy Tips

  • Describe inability to grasp, hold, or manipulate
  • Provide ADL limitations

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Partial function mistaken for total loss
  • Subjective complaints not matching tests

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Not specifying loss vs. limitation
  • Missing proof of total non-function

Onset Patterns

  • Often after trauma or severe nerve injury

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Depression

    Loss of independence

  • Shoulder Injury

    Overcompensation

Common questions about Loss of Use of One Hand

Is Loss of Use of One Hand a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Loss of Use of One Hand under VASRD diagnostic code 5111 (Amputation/Paralysis). Inability to use one hand due to nerve damage, injury, or deformity.
What VA disability rating can I get for Loss of Use of One Hand?
Possible VA ratings for Loss of Use of One Hand are 70%. Examples: 70% — No use of hand at all.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Loss of Use of One Hand?
The average awarded rating for Loss of Use of One Hand is 70%. Roughly 1,200 veterans are service-connected for Loss of Use of One Hand each year. Typical approval likelihood: High (~85%) when clearly documented..
What evidence helps prove Loss of Use of One Hand for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Loss of Use of One Hand claim includes: Functional capacity evaluation; Occupational therapy notes.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Loss of Use of One Hand?
Common pitfalls when filing for Loss of Use of One Hand: Not specifying loss vs. limitation; Missing proof of total non-function.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Loss of Use of One Hand?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Loss of Use of One Hand include: Depression, Shoulder Injury. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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