---
title: "DC 5053 - Wrist replacement (prosthesis)"
diagnostic_code: "5053"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5053-wrist-replacement-prosthesis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:17:08.146348Z"
---

# DC 5053 - Wrist replacement (prosthesis)

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

Prosthetic replacement of wrist joint. With intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion, rate by analogy to diagnostic code 5214.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100% | 100% | For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis |
| 40% | 30% | With chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity |
| 20% | 20% | Minimum rating |

## Notes

- Note (1): When an evaluation is assigned for joint resurfacing or the prosthetic replacement of a joint under diagnostic codes 5051-5056, an additional rating under § 4.71a may not also be assigned for that joint, unless otherwise directed.
- Note (2): Only evaluate a revision procedure in the same manner as the original procedure under diagnostic codes 5051-5056 if all the original components are replaced.
- Note (3): The term âprosthetic replacementâ in diagnostic codes 5051-5053 and 5055-5056 means a total replacement of the named joint. However, in DC 5054, âprosthetic replacementâ means a total replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum.
- Note (4): The 100 percent rating for 1 year following implantation of prosthesis will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
- Note (5): The 100 percent rating for 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing under DCs 5054 and 5055 will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
- Note (6): Special monthly compensation is assignable during the 100 percent rating period the earliest date permanent use of crutches is established.

# Wrist Replacement (Prosthesis) — VA Disability Rating

**Diagnostic Code 5053 · 38 CFR § 4.71a · Musculoskeletal System**

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5053 covers the **prosthetic replacement of the wrist joint** — a total replacement of the named joint. If your wrist has been surgically replaced with a prosthesis, the VA evaluates the residual effects of that procedure under this code.

When there are **intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain, or limitation of motion**, the VA rates the condition by analogy to Diagnostic Code 5214.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns ratings based on the stage of recovery and the severity of residual symptoms. Ratings differ depending on whether the affected wrist is on your dominant or non-dominant (minor) extremity.

| Rating | Dominant Extremity | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity | What It Reflects |
|--------|-------------------|-------------------------------|------------------|
| **100%** | 100% | 100% | For 1 year following implantation of the prosthesis |
| **40%** | 40% | 30% | Chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity |
| **20%** | 20% | 20% | Minimum rating |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a wrist replacement under Diagnostic Code 5053, the VA considers:

- **Whether a total replacement of the wrist joint occurred.** In Diagnostic Codes 5051–5053 and 5055–5056, "prosthetic replacement" means a total replacement of the named joint.
- **The time since implantation.** A 100% rating applies for 1 year following implantation of the prosthesis. This 100% rating commences after the initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
- **The severity of chronic residuals**, including severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity.
- **Which extremity is affected** — dominant or non-dominant — since this can change the assigned percentage.

## Important Notes

- **Note (1):** When an evaluation is assigned for joint resurfacing or the prosthetic replacement of a joint under Diagnostic Codes 5051–5056, an additional rating under § 4.71a may not also be assigned for that joint, unless otherwise directed.
- **Note (2):** A revision procedure is evaluated in the same manner as the original procedure under Diagnostic Codes 5051–5056 only if all the original components are replaced.
- **Note (6):** Special monthly compensation is assignable during the 100 percent rating period as of the earliest date permanent use of crutches is established.

---

*This information summarizes the VA rating schedule for wrist replacement (prosthesis) under Diagnostic Code 5053. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a