VASRD 5216 · Musculoskeletal System

Loss of Use of Wrist (Major) VA Disability Rating

A total inability to use the wrist joint, usually treated as equivalent to amputation for rating purposes.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
70%You can’t use your main hand because the wrist no longer functions.

How the VA Evaluates Loss of Use of Wrist (Major)

Requires medical determination that no effective function remains other than that possible with amputation and prosthesis.

Approval rate

High – if clearly documented with functional testing.

Annual service-connected

1,300 veterans

Average rating

70%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •VA functional assessment showing no effective movement
  • •Orthopedic surgeon evaluation stating loss of use
  • •Range of motion test with 0 degrees movement

Strategy Tips

  • •Have doctor compare function to that of amputation with prosthesis
  • •Include functional impact statements
  • •Mention effects on employment and daily activities

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Insufficient documentation of 'loss of use'
  • •No comparison to amputation-level function
  • •Missing functional impact statement

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Failing to show total loss of motion
  • •Not including functional impact test results
  • •Omitting dominant hand status

Onset Patterns

  • •Typically results from catastrophic injury or late-stage joint disease
  • •May follow multiple failed surgeries

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Loss of Use of Wrist (Major). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Chronic Shoulder Pain

    Overuse of compensating joints due to wrist immobility

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    Long-term inflammation and poor wrist mechanics

Common questions about Loss of Use of Wrist (Major)

Is Loss of Use of Wrist (Major) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Loss of Use of Wrist (Major) under VASRD diagnostic code 5216 (Musculoskeletal System). A total inability to use the wrist joint, usually treated as equivalent to amputation for rating purposes.
What VA disability rating can I get for Loss of Use of Wrist (Major)?
Possible VA ratings for Loss of Use of Wrist (Major) are 70%. Examples: 70% — You can’t use your main hand because the wrist no longer functions..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Loss of Use of Wrist (Major)?
The average awarded rating for Loss of Use of Wrist (Major) is 70%. Roughly 1,300 veterans are service-connected for Loss of Use of Wrist (Major) each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – if clearly documented with functional testing..
What evidence helps prove Loss of Use of Wrist (Major) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Loss of Use of Wrist (Major) claim includes: VA functional assessment showing no effective movement; Orthopedic surgeon evaluation stating loss of use; Range of motion test with 0 degrees movement.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Loss of Use of Wrist (Major)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Loss of Use of Wrist (Major): Failing to show total loss of motion; Not including functional impact test results; Omitting dominant hand status.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Loss of Use of Wrist (Major)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Loss of Use of Wrist (Major) include: Chronic Shoulder Pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

Open the calculator