DC 5206Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71a

Forearm, limitation of flexion of

The VA rates Forearm, limitation of flexion of under Diagnostic Code 5206 across 6 severity levels, from 0% to 50%. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.

Rating schedule — DC 5206 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
50%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
6

0%, 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 flexion of?

RatingCriteria
0%

Flexion limited to 110°; 0

10%

Flexion limited to 100°; 10

20%

Flexion limited to 70°; 30

Note: Normal flexion = 145 degrees. Measured from 0 (full extension).

30%

Flexion limited to 55°; 40

40%

Flexion limited to 45°; 50

50%

Flexion limited to 45°; 40

Flexion limited to 55°; 40

Common Questions About Forearm, limitation of flexion of VA Ratings

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

The VA rates Forearm, limitation of flexion of under Diagnostic Code 5206 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Flexion limited to 110°; 0. The maximum 50% rating requires: Flexion limited to 45°; 40.

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

The VA rates Forearm, limitation of flexion of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5206, 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 0% and a 50% rating for Forearm, limitation of flexion of?

A 0% rating requires: Flexion limited to 110°; 0. A 50% rating requires: Flexion limited to 45°; 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 flexion of qualify for TDIU?

Possibly. Forearm, limitation of flexion 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 flexion of?

The key evidence for Forearm, limitation of flexion 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 flexion of?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5206 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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