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 in 20 degrees to 30 degrees dorsiflexion (minor arm) What raters look forfavorable ankylosis, minor arm |
| 30% | Favorable in 20 degrees to 30 degrees dorsiflexion (major arm); any other position, except favorable (minor arm) What raters look forfavorable ankylosis, major arm; any other position except favorable, minor arm |
| 40% | Any other position, except favorable (major arm); unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation (minor arm) What raters look forany other position except favorable, major arm; unfavorable ankylosis, minor arm |
| 50% | Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation (major arm) What raters look forunfavorable ankylosis, major arm |
DC 5214 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 105 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 5214 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 53.3%, denied 25.7% and sent 21.0% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 5214 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
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 8,558 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Wrist, 2021 to 2026. The Wrist condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Wrist appeals generally rather than DC 5214 specifically. The DC 5214 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. 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).
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 5214?
In 100 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 5214 from 2021 to 2026, 51.0% were granted, 27.0% denied and 22.0% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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