DC 5210Musculoskeletal SystemCriteria from 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5210

Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint

The VA rates Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint under Diagnostic Code 5210, with separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm: 50% for the dominant arm and 40% for the non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition.

Rating schedule · DC 5210 at a glance

Dominant arm
50%

Major column of the published table

Non-dominant arm
40%

Minor column of the published table

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Where this code is published

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint?

DC 5210 is rated separately for your dominant arm and your non-dominant arm. 38 CFR § 4.69 decides which arm is dominant.

DC 5210 rating schedule from 38 CFR § 4.71a: criteria, then the dominant arm and non-dominant arm percentages.
CriteriaDominant armMajorNon-dominant armMinor

Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint

Dominant arm50%Non-dominant arm40%

Source: 38 CFR § 4.71a, eCFR as of .

Notes for DC 5210

  • Note: In all the forearm and wrist injuries, codes 5205 through 5213, multiple impaired finger movements due to tendon tie-up, muscle or nerve injury, are to be separately rated and combined not to exceed rating for loss of use of hand.

These diagnostic codes sit next to Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint 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.

  1. 5205Elbow, ankylosis of
  2. 5206Forearm, limitation of flexion of
  3. 5207Forearm, limitation of extension of
  4. 5208Forearm, flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45°
  5. 5209Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint
  6. 5211Ulna, impairment of
  7. 5212Radius, impairment of
  8. 5213Supination and pronation, impairment of
  9. 5214Wrist, ankylosis of
  10. 5215Limitation of Motion of the Wrist
All 139 musculoskeletal conditions

The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.

Common Questions About Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint?

Dominant arm: 50%; non-dominant arm: 40%, under DC 5210, 38 CFR § 4.71a. The applicable column depends on which arm is dominant under 38 CFR § 4.69.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint?

The VA rates Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5210, published in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

Can Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint qualify for TDIU?

Using the dominant-arm maximum: DC 5210 publishes up to 50% for the dominant arm and up to 40% for the non-dominant arm. That alone does not meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. With other service-connected disabilities combining to 70% or more, one of them at 40% or more, TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply, and extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint?

The key evidence for Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint 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 Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5210 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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