Wrist — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Establish handedness (dominant/major vs. non-dominant/minor) up front — the entire 5214 tier structure splits on it, with the major wrist rated higher at each level of ankylosis.
• Distinguish limitation of motion (5215, capped at 10%) from ankylosis (5214). Ankylosis means the joint is fixed/fused and does not move; severe limitation is NOT ankylosis unless the joint is effectively immobile.
• Note that Note under 5214 directs an extra 10% for wrist ankylosis complicated by nonunion of navicular bone with false-motion, malunion, or deformity — capture this if present.
• Record range-of-motion in degrees for dorsiflexion (extension) and palmar flexion; document the position at which any ankylosis is fixed to determine favorable vs. unfavorable and the 20–30 degree favorable range.
• Apply DeLuca / 38 CFR 4.40 & 4.45: document additional loss from pain, weakness, fatigability, incoordination, and flare-ups — but remember 5215 is already at its schedular max (10%), so functional loss alone cannot raise it beyond 10% without ankylosis under 5214.
• Consider whether extraschedular referral (38 CFR 3.321(b)) is warranted if the disability picture is not adequately captured by the schedule.

Evidence that helps

• VA wrist/musculoskeletal DBQ with goniometer-measured range of motion (dorsiflexion and palmar flexion in degrees), both active and passive, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing.
• Statement/finding of dominant hand (right- or left-handed) to set major vs. minor.
• Documentation of whether the joint is ankylosed (fixed) and the exact fixed position, or whether motion is merely limited.
• Imaging (X-ray, and where relevant CT/MRI) showing fusion/ankylosis, or navicular (scaphoid) nonunion, malunion, or deformity for the 5214 Note +10%.
• DeLuca findings: pain on motion, additional limitation after repetitive use (three repetitions), flare-up frequency/severity, weakness, fatigability, incoordination.
• Service treatment records / nexus opinion linking the wrist condition to service.
• Lay statements describing functional impact on grip, lifting, and daily/occupational tasks.

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

Conditions medically linked to Wrist — each can be worth a separate or secondary claim:

• Carpal tunnel — Wrist conditions and carpal tunnel often occur together and can aggravate one another.
• Elbow — Repetitive-use injuries commonly affect the wrist and elbow together.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for wrist?

The VA rates wrist under 38 CFR diagnostic code 5215. The rating tiers are: 10% — DC 5215 (limitation of motion): Dorsiflexion less than 15 degrees; OR palmar flexion limited in line with the forearm. This is the maximum schedular rating under 5215 for either the major or minor wrist. 10% is the only rating available under 5215.; 20% — DC 5214 (ankylosis): Favorable ankylosis in 20 to 30 degrees dorsiflexion — 30% for the major (dominant) wrist, 20% for the minor (non-dominant) wrist. (This is the minor-wrist figure.); 30% — DC 5214 (ankylosis): Favorable ankylosis in 20 to 30 degrees dorsiflexion — major (dominant) wrist. Also the minor-wrist rating for ankylosis in any other position except favorable.; 40% — DC 5214 (ankylosis): Ankylosis in any other position except favorable — major (dominant) wrist. Also the minor-wrist rating for unfavorable ankylosis (in any degree of dorsiflexion or palmar flexion).; 50% — DC 5214 (ankylosis): Unfavorable ankylosis, in any degree of dorsiflexion or palmar flexion — major (dominant) wrist. This is the maximum schedular rating under 5214.. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.

How much VA disability compensation is wrist?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Wrist can be rated from 10% to 50%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.

What evidence do I need for a wrist VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: VA wrist/musculoskeletal DBQ with goniometer-measured range of motion (dorsiflexion and palmar flexion in degrees), both active and passive, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing.; Statement/finding of dominant hand (right- or left-handed) to set major vs. minor.; Documentation of whether the joint is ankylosed (fixed) and the exact fixed position, or whether motion is merely limited.; Imaging (X-ray, and where relevant CT/MRI) showing fusion/ankylosis, or navicular (scaphoid) nonunion, malunion, or deformity for the 5214 Note +10%.; DeLuca findings: pain on motion, additional limitation after repetitive use (three repetitions), flare-up frequency/severity, weakness, fatigability, incoordination.; Service treatment records / nexus opinion linking the wrist condition to service.; Lay statements describing functional impact on grip, lifting, and daily/occupational tasks..

How do I get the correct rating for wrist?

To be rated accurately: Establish handedness (dominant/major vs. non-dominant/minor) up front — the entire 5214 tier structure splits on it, with the major wrist rated higher at each level of ankylosis.; Distinguish limitation of motion (5215, capped at 10%) from ankylosis (5214). Ankylosis means the joint is fixed/fused and does not move; severe limitation is NOT ankylosis unless the joint is effectively immobile.; Note that Note under 5214 directs an extra 10% for wrist ankylosis complicated by nonunion of navicular bone with false-motion, malunion, or deformity — capture this if present.; Record range-of-motion in degrees for dorsiflexion (extension) and palmar flexion; document the position at which any ankylosis is fixed to determine favorable vs. unfavorable and the 20–30 degree favorable range.; Apply DeLuca / 38 CFR 4.40 & 4.45: document additional loss from pain, weakness, fatigability, incoordination, and flare-ups — but remember 5215 is already at its schedular max (10%), so functional loss alone cannot raise it beyond 10% without ankylosis under 5214.; Consider whether extraschedular referral (38 CFR 3.321(b)) is warranted if the disability picture is not adequately captured by the schedule..