Wrist, ankylosis of — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5214)

The VA rates Wrist, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5214 at the following tiers: 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.

Diagnostic Code 5214 is the VA rating identifier for Wrist, ankylosis of within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Wrist, ankylosis of under DC 5214 is 50%. This tier requires: Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation; 40. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Wrist, ankylosis of alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Wrist, ankylosis of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5214. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Wrist, ankylosis of may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Wrist, ankylosis of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.