Veterans Affairs Canada's website is undergoing maintenance. If you are experiencing any issues, please contact us. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

Annex C: Chapter 17.1 Loss of Function Upper Limb

Annex C: Chapter 17.1 Loss of Function Upper Limb
Dominant Rating Non-Dominant Rating Criteria
Two One
  • Can use limb efficiently for normal tasks but with excessive fatigue and/or pain towards the end of the day; or
  • Has paresthesia and/or numbness.
Four Two
  • Can use limb efficiently for normal tasks but with excessive fatigue and/or pain occurring within 1hour.
Nine Four
  • Can use limb reasonably well in most circumstances but frequent difficulties are manifested by:
    • minor loss of digital dexterity causing handwriting changes, or difficulty in manipulation of small or fine objects, e.g. tying shoelaces or setting a watch; or
    • minor loss of grip strength causing difficulty in gripping moderately heavy to heavy objects such as full saucepans, buckets and watering cans; or
  • Can use limb efficiently for normal tasks with excessive fatigue and/or pain occurring within 10 minutes.
Thirteen Nine
  • Can use limb reasonably well in most circumstances, but frequent difficulties are manifested by:
    • minor loss of digital dexterity causing handwriting changes, or difficulty in manipulation of small or fine objects, e.g. tying shoelaces or setting a watch; and
    • minor loss of grip strength causing difficulty in gripping moderately heavy to heavy objects such as full saucepans, buckets and watering cans.
Twenty-one Thirteen
  • Can use limb reasonably well in some circumstances, but with more noticeable difficulty manifested by:
    • moderate loss of digital dexterity causing difficulty in manipulation of larger objects such as turning door handles; and/or
    • major loss of grip strength causing difficulty in gripping light objects such as knives, forks, cups, toothbrushes, etc.
Thirty-Four Twenty-one
  • Uses limb inefficiently in all circumstances. Use of limb subject to major limitations; capable of light grip only. Multiple aids may be required for everyday activities such as writing and eating.
Thirty-four Thirty-four
Fifty-two Thirty-nine
  • Unable to use limb at all for self-care or daily activities. Limb is essentially useless.