Limited wrist motion
The VA rates Limited wrist motion under Diagnostic Code 5215 at a single 10% level. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Limitation of Motion of the Wrist.
These criteria were reviewed against the 2025 annual CFR, § 4.71a on 2026-09-08.
Rating schedule — DC 5215 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 10%
- Rating tiers
- 1
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Limited wrist motion?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Dorsiflexion less than 15°, or palmar flexion limited in line with forearm. Note: The schedule lists 10% for either the major or minor wrist under either criterion. |
“Dorsiflexion less than 15°, or palmar flexion limited in line with forearm.”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Limited wrist motion in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5210Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false jointRated up to 50%
- 5211Ulna, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5212Radius, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5213Supination and pronation, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5214Wrist, ankylosis ofRated up to 50%
- 5216Five digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis ofRated up to 60%
- 5217Four digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis ofRated up to 60%
- 5218Three digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis ofRated up to 50%
- 5219Two digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis ofRated up to 40%
- 5220Five digits of one hand, favorable ankylosis ofRated up to 50%
What to do with a Limited wrist motion rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
Calculate
On this site
Read next
- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
Common Questions About Limited wrist motion VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Limited wrist motion?
The VA rates Limited wrist motion under Diagnostic Code 5215 at 10%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Dorsiflexion less than 15°, or palmar flexion limited in line with forearm.. The maximum 10% rating requires: Dorsiflexion less than 15°, or palmar flexion limited in line with forearm..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Limited wrist motion?
The VA rates Limited wrist motion under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5215, published in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
Can Limited wrist motion qualify for TDIU?
Limited wrist motion maxes at 10%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Limited wrist motion?
The key evidence for Limited wrist motion 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 Limited wrist motion?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5215 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.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits