Impairment of radius
The VA rates Impairment of radius under Diagnostic Code 5212 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 40%. 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: Radius, impairment of.
Rating schedule — DC 5212 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Impairment of radius?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Malunion of, with bad alignment; 10 |
| 20% | Without loss of bone substance or deformity; 30 |
| 30% | With loss of bone substance (1 inch (2.5 cms.) or more) and marked deformity; 40 |
| 40% | With loss of bone substance (1 inch (2.5 cms.) or more) and marked deformity; 30 |
“With loss of bone substance (1 inch (2.5 cms.) or more) and marked deformity; 40”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Impairment of radius 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.
- 5207Forearm, limitation of extension ofRated up to 50%
- 5208Forearm, flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45°Rated up to 20%
- 5209Elbow, other impairment of Flail jointRated up to 60%
- 5210Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false jointRated up to 50%
- 5211Ulna, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5213Supination and pronation, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5214Wrist, ankylosis ofRated up to 50%
- 5215Limitation of Motion of the WristRated up to 10%
- 5216Five digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis ofRated up to 60%
- 5217Four digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis ofRated up to 60%
Common Questions About Impairment of radius VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Impairment of radius?
The VA rates Impairment of radius under Diagnostic Code 5212 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Malunion of, with bad alignment; 10. The maximum 40% rating requires: With loss of bone substance (1 inch (2.5 cms.) or more) and marked deformity; 30.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Impairment of radius?
The VA rates Impairment of radius under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5212, 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 40% rating for Impairment of radius?
A 10% rating requires: Malunion of, with bad alignment; 10. A 40% rating requires: With loss of bone substance (1 inch (2.5 cms.) or more) and marked deformity; 30. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Impairment of radius qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Impairment of radius maxes at 40%, 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 Impairment of radius?
The key evidence for Impairment of radius 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 Impairment of radius?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5212 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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