Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5214: Wrist. Ankylosis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 20% to 50%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Wrist. Ankylosis under diagnostic code 5214 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5214 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Favorable ankylosis in 20-30 degrees dorsiflexion (minor arm) What raters look forfavorable |
| 30% | Favorable ankylosis in 20-30 degrees dorsiflexion (major arm), or any other position except favorable (minor arm) What raters look formajor favorable or minor other position |
| 40% | Any other position except favorable (major arm), or unfavorable in any degree of palmar flexion or with ulnar/radial deviation (minor arm) What raters look formajor other position or minor unfavorable |
| 50% | Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation (major arm) What raters look forunfavorable; major arm |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Wrist. The Wrist condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Wrist appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 872 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Wrist as the primary issue. The Wrist condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Wrist appeals generally rather than DC 5214 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5214?
Diagnostic code 5214 is the VA rating schedule entry for Wrist. Ankylosis, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5214?
DC 5214 provides ratings of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5214 require?
The 50% rating for Wrist. Ankylosis requires: Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation (major arm).