Wrist ankylosis (fixed joint)
The VA rates Wrist ankylosis (fixed joint) under Diagnostic Code 5214 across 4 severity levels, from 20% to 50%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Wrist, ankylosis of.
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%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Wrist ankylosis (fixed joint)?
| 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”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Wrist ankylosis (fixed joint) in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5209Elbow, other impairment of Flail jointRated up to 60%
- 5210Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false jointRated up to 50%
- 5211Ulna, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5212Radius, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5213Supination and pronation, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5215Limitation of Motion of the WristRated up to 10%
- 5216Five digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis ofRated up to 60%
- 5217Four digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis ofRated up to 60%
- 5218Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis ofRated up to 50%
- 5219Two digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis ofRated up to 40%
What to do with a Wrist ankylosis (fixed joint) rating
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- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
Common Questions About Wrist ankylosis (fixed joint) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Wrist ankylosis (fixed joint)?
The VA rates Wrist ankylosis (fixed joint) 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 (fixed joint)?
The VA rates Wrist ankylosis (fixed joint) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5214, published in 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 (fixed joint)?
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 (fixed joint) qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Wrist ankylosis (fixed joint) 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 (fixed joint)?
The key evidence for Wrist ankylosis (fixed joint) 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 (fixed joint)?
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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