Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5215
Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) Secondary to Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor)
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 Index Finger (Major or Minor).
Why Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) Is Linked to Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor)
Compensatory motion can lead to overuse injuries.
Primary condition · VASRD 5229
Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor)
Ankylosis means the index finger is stuck and can't bend or straighten properly.
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 Index Finger (Major or Minor) — severity of Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
10% Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) + 40% Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) = 46%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 10% and 40% combine to 46%, not 50%. 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 Index Finger (Major or Minor)
- Can Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) be service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor)?
- 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. Compensatory motion can lead to overuse injuries. You'll need a current Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your ser…
- 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 Index Finger (Major or Minor).
- 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 10% rating for Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) combined with a 40% rating for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 46%, not 50%. Approving Ankylosis of the Wrist (M…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) as secondary to Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor)?
- 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 Index Finger (Major or Minor) caused…
Primary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) guide
Secondary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Ankylosis of the Index Finger (Major or Minor) 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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