VASRD 5217 · Musculoskeletal System

Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor) VA Disability Rating

Complete loss of wrist function in the non-dominant hand.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
60%You can’t use your non-dominant hand because the wrist no longer works.

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

Demonstrated by loss of all motion and confirmed that the hand is essentially unusable.

Approval rate

Moderate – requires strong medical documentation.

Annual service-connected

800 veterans

Average rating

60%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •VA C&P exam with complete motion loss
  • •Orthopedic report showing no functionality
  • •EMG or nerve studies

Strategy Tips

  • •Clarify that minor (non-dominant) hand is affected
  • •Use physician statement comparing to amputation outcome
  • •Emphasize how it affects daily functioning

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not indicating dominant hand
  • •Failing to show total immobility
  • •No comparison to prosthetic function

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Submitting without functional testing
  • •Lacking supportive orthopedic statement
  • •Omitting dominant vs. non-dominant clarification

Onset Patterns

  • •Result of trauma, nerve injury, or fusion complications
  • •Often worsens over time if untreated

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Tendon Shortening

    Chronic non-use leads to muscular and tendon degeneration

Common questions about Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor)

Is Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor) under VASRD diagnostic code 5217 (Musculoskeletal System). Complete loss of wrist function in the non-dominant hand.
What VA disability rating can I get for Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor)?
Possible VA ratings for Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor) are 60%. Examples: 60% — You can’t use your non-dominant hand because the wrist no longer works..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor)?
The average awarded rating for Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor) is 60%. Roughly 800 veterans are service-connected for Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – requires strong medical documentation..
What evidence helps prove Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor) claim includes: VA C&P exam with complete motion loss; Orthopedic report showing no functionality; EMG or nerve studies.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor): Submitting without functional testing; Lacking supportive orthopedic statement; Omitting dominant vs. non-dominant clarification.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Loss of Use of Wrist (Minor) include: Tendon Shortening. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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