Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Wrist
This diagnostic code covers veterans who have had their wrist joint surgically replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis). The VA automatically gives you a 100% rating for the full first year after your wrist replacement surgery, recognizing that you need time to heal and adjust. After that year, your rating drops to either 30% if you have severe ongoing pain, weakness, or limited motion, or the minimum 20% rating if your recovery goes well.
Rating levels
- 100% — If you have a wrist joint that has been surgically replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis), you automatically qualify for this rating for the entire first year after the surgery. During this one-year period, you don't need to prove specific symptoms or limitations - the rating is given simply because you have the prosthetic wrist replacement.
- 100% — If you have a wrist joint that has been surgically replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis), you automatically qualify for this rating for the entire first year after the surgery. During this one-year period, you don't need to prove specific symptoms or limitations - the rating is given simply because you have the prosthetic wrist replacement.
- 40% — You have an artificial wrist joint (prosthetic replacement) and experience ongoing serious problems as a result. Your wrist causes you severe pain when you move it, or you have significant weakness in that arm or hand that interferes with your daily activities and function.
- 30% — You have had your wrist joint surgically replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis), and you're still experiencing serious ongoing problems as a result. These continuing problems must include either severe pain when you move your wrist or significant weakness in that arm or hand that interferes with your daily activities.
- 20% — If you've had your wrist joint completely replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis), you automatically qualify for this rating level regardless of how well the replacement works. This is the minimum rating given for any wrist replacement surgery, even if you have full movement and no pain in your new wrist joint.
- 20% — If you've had your wrist joint completely replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis), you automatically qualify for this rating level regardless of how well the replacement works. This is the minimum rating given for any wrist replacement surgery, even if you have full movement and no pain in your new wrist joint.