DC 5207Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71a

Forearm, limitation of extension of

The VA rates Forearm, limitation of extension of under Diagnostic Code 5207 across 5 severity levels, from 10% to 50%. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.

Rating schedule — DC 5207 at a glance

Minimum rating
10%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
50%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
5

10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Forearm, limitation of extension of?

RatingCriteria
10%

Extension limited to 60°; 10

Note: Normal extension = 0 degrees (full extension). Flexion contracture at 45 degrees.

20%

Extension limited to 90°; 30

30%

Extension limited to 100°; 40

40%

Extension limited to 110°; 50

50%

Extension limited to 110°; 40

Extension limited to 100°; 40

Common Questions About Forearm, limitation of extension of VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Forearm, limitation of extension of?

The VA rates Forearm, limitation of extension of under Diagnostic Code 5207 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Extension limited to 60°; 10. The maximum 50% rating requires: Extension limited to 110°; 40.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Forearm, limitation of extension of?

The VA rates Forearm, limitation of extension of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5207, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 10% and a 50% rating for Forearm, limitation of extension of?

A 10% rating requires: Extension limited to 60°; 10. A 50% rating requires: Extension limited to 110°; 40. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Forearm, limitation of extension of qualify for TDIU?

Possibly. Forearm, limitation of extension of maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Forearm, limitation of extension of?

The key evidence for Forearm, limitation of extension of is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.

What happens at the C&P exam for Forearm, limitation of extension of?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5207 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.

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