Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5215
Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) Secondary to Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers
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 Thumb and One or More Fingers.
Why Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) Is Linked to Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers
Impaired thumb use can lead to poor wrist control.
Primary condition · VASRD 5233
Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers
Fusion or stiffness of the thumb and another finger limits ability to pinch, grip, or write.
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 Thumb and One or More Fingers — severity of Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
20% Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers + 40% Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) = 52%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 20% and 40% combine to 52%, not 60%. 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 Thumb and One or More Fingers
- Can Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) be service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers?
- 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. Impaired thumb use can lead to poor wrist control. You'll need a current Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your se…
- 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 Thumb and One or More Fingers.
- 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 20% rating for Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers combined with a 40% rating for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 52%, not 60%. Approving Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) as secondary to Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers?
- 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 Thumb and One or More Fingers caused or a…
Primary condition
Full Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers guide
Secondary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Wrist (Major) guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Ankylosis of Thumb and One or More Fingers 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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