Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5215
Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) Secondary to Ankylosis of the Elbow (major)
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) when it develops after Ankylosis of the Elbow (major).
Why Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) Is Linked to Ankylosis of the Elbow (major)
Altered arm motion and strain
Primary condition · VASRD 5214
Ankylosis of the Elbow (major)
A condition where the elbow joint is fused and cannot move, often due to injury or arthritis.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5215
Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major)
A fused wrist joint with no ability to bend, often due to trauma or arthritis.
Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Ankylosis of the Elbow (major) — severity of Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
40% Ankylosis of the Elbow (major) + 40% Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) = 64%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 40% and 40% combine to 64%, not 80%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) Secondary Claim
- •X-rays showing fusion of wrist bones
- •Occupational therapy report
- •Range of motion findings
Common questions about Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) secondary to Ankylosis of the Elbow (major)
- Can Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) be service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Elbow (major)?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Altered arm motion and strain You'll need a current Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Ankyl…
- What VA rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) as a secondary condition?
- Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5215 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 50%, 40%. The rating depends on the severity of Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) itself, not on the severity of Ankylosis of the Elbow (major).
- How does a secondary Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 40% rating for Ankylosis of the Elbow (major) combined with a 40% rating for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 64%, not 80%. Approving Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) as seconda…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) as secondary to Ankylosis of the Elbow (major)?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) diagnosis includes: X-rays showing fusion of wrist bones; Occupational therapy report; Range of motion findings. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating provider explaining how Ankylosis of the Elbow (major) caused or aggravated An…
Primary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Elbow (major) guide
Secondary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Ankylosis of the Elbow (major) and Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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