Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5214
Ankylosis of the Wrist Secondary to Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger
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 when it develops after Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger.
Why Ankylosis of the Wrist Is Linked to Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger
Compensatory motion can lead to overuse injuries.
Primary condition · VASRD 5229
Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger
VA measures how far the fingertip stays from your palm when you curl the finger as far as it goes, and how far short of straight it stops. This code covers the index finger and the long (middle) finger.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5214
Ankylosis of the Wrist
Ankylosis of the wrist is a wrist fixed in one position that no longer moves. DC 5214 rates it by the position the wrist is fused in and by which hand it is - the schedule prints a major (dominant) and a minor (non-dominant) column, and the dominant wrist rates one step higher at every position. A wrist fixed in an extremely unfavorable position is not rated under this code at all: its note sends that case to DC 5125, loss of use of the hand.
Ankylosis of the Wrist VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Ankylosis of the Wrist the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger — severity of Ankylosis of the Wrist itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Your dominant wrist is fused bent toward the palm, or off to one side. |
| 40% | Either your non-dominant wrist is fused in one of those bad positions, or your dominant wrist is fused somewhere other than the favorable angle. |
| 30% | Your non-dominant wrist is fused outside the favorable angle, or your dominant wrist is fused at the favorable angle. |
| 20% | Your non-dominant wrist is fused at the favorable angle - bent back 20 to 30 degrees. |
Example combined rating
10% Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger + 40% Ankylosis of the Wrist = 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.
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Evidence for a Ankylosis of the Wrist Secondary Claim
- •X-rays or CT confirming bony ankylosis of the wrist
- •An examination that records the exact angle the wrist is fixed at and any ulnar or radial deviation
- •Documentation of hand dominance, since every row of DC 5214 differs between the major and minor columns
- •Occupational therapy or functional-use notes describing what the fixed wrist prevents
Common questions about Ankylosis of the Wrist secondary to Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger
- Can Ankylosis of the Wrist be service-connected as secondary to Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger?
- 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 diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-con…
- What VA rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Wrist as a secondary condition?
- Ankylosis of the Wrist is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5214 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%. The rating depends on the severity of Ankylosis of the Wrist itself, not on the severity of Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger.
- How does a secondary Ankylosis of the Wrist 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 Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger combined with a 40% rating for Ankylosis of the Wrist (example figures) produces a combined rating of 46%, not 50%. Approving Ankylosis of the Wrist as secon…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Ankylosis of the Wrist as secondary to Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Ankylosis of the Wrist diagnosis includes: X-rays or CT confirming bony ankylosis of the wrist; An examination that records the exact angle the wrist is fixed at and any ulnar or radial deviation; Documentation of hand dominance, since every row of DC 5214 differs between the major a…
Primary condition
Full Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger guide
Secondary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Wrist guide
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See how Limitation of Motion of the Index or Long Finger and Ankylosis of the Wrist combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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