Wrist, ankylosis of
The VA rates Wrist, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5214 across 4 severity levels, from 20% to 50%. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 5214 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
20%, 30%, 40%, 50%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Wrist, ankylosis of?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Favorable in 20° to 30° dorsiflexion; 30 |
| 30% | Any other position, except favorable; 40 |
| 40% | Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation; 50 |
| 50% | Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation; 40 |
“Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation; 50”
Common Questions About Wrist, ankylosis of VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Wrist, ankylosis of?
The VA rates Wrist, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5214 at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Favorable in 20° to 30° dorsiflexion; 30. The maximum 50% rating requires: Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation; 40.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Wrist, ankylosis of?
The VA rates Wrist, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5214, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 20% and a 50% rating for Wrist, ankylosis of?
A 20% rating requires: Favorable in 20° to 30° dorsiflexion; 30. A 50% rating requires: Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation; 40. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Wrist, ankylosis of qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Wrist, ankylosis of maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Wrist, ankylosis of?
The key evidence for Wrist, ankylosis of is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Wrist, ankylosis of?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5214 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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