Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Wrist
DC 5053, wrist replacement (prosthesis), is rated by the level below that matches your condition; the dominant (major) arm is rated higher than the non-dominant (minor) arm at the upper levels. The levels: Prosthetic replacement of wrist joint, for 1 year following implantation of prosthesis: 100% for either arm. Prosthetic replacement of wrist joint, with chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity: 40% for the dominant arm, 30% for the non-dominant arm. Prosthetic replacement of wrist joint, minimum rating: 20% for either arm.
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.