---
title: "DC 5214 - Wrist, ankylosis of"
diagnostic_code: "5214"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5214-wrist-ankylosis-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:48:44.874899Z"
---

# DC 5214 - Wrist, ankylosis of

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50% | 40% | Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation |
| 40% | 30% | Any other position, except favorable |
| 30% | 20% | Favorable in 20° to 30° dorsiflexion |

## Notes

- Note: Extremely unfavorable ankylosis will be rated as loss of use of hands under diagnostic code 5125.

# Wrist Ankylosis (VA Diagnostic Code 5214)

*Musculoskeletal System — 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

**Ankylosis** of the wrist refers to a wrist joint that has become stiffened or fixed in a set position, limiting movement. Under VA Diagnostic Code 5214, this condition is rated based on the position in which the wrist is fixed and whether that position is considered favorable or unfavorable for function.

The VA also assigns different rating levels depending on whether the affected wrist is your **dominant** ("major") or **non-dominant** ("minor") extremity.

## Available Rating Levels

The rating levels below reflect the dominant extremity first, followed by the non-dominant extremity in parentheses.

| Rating (Dominant) | Rating (Non-Dominant) | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| **50%** | 40% | Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation |
| **40%** | 30% | Any other position, except favorable |
| **30%** | 20% | Favorable in 20° to 30° dorsiflexion |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating wrist ankylosis, the VA evaluates:

- **The fixed position of the wrist** — specifically whether it is set in palmar flexion, ulnar or radial deviation, or dorsiflexion.
- **Whether the position is favorable or unfavorable** — a wrist fixed favorably in 20° to 30° dorsiflexion is rated differently from one fixed in a less functional position.
- **Which extremity is affected** — dominant versus non-dominant, which affects the assigned percentage.

**Note:** Extremely unfavorable ankylosis will be rated as loss of use of hands under Diagnostic Code 5125.

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