DC 5211Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71aLast verified: APR 22, 2026

Ulna, impairment of

Ulna, impairment of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5211, from 10% to 40% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 40% rating requires: With loss of bone substance (1 inch (2.5 cms.) or more) and marked deformity; 30. Most claims establish the 10% or 20% rating before reaching the top tier.

Rating schedule — DC 5211 at a glance

Minimum rating
10%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
40%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
4

10%, 20%, 30%, 40%

CFR section
38 CFR § 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Ulna, impairment of?

10%Disability Rating

Malunion of, with bad alignment; 10

20%Disability Rating

Without loss of bone substance or deformity; 30

30%Disability Rating

With loss of bone substance (1 inch (2.5 cms.) or more) and marked deformity; 40

40%Disability Rating

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

Common Questions About Ulna, impairment of VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Ulna, impairment of?

The VA rates Ulna, impairment of under Diagnostic Code 5211 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 Ulna, impairment of?

The VA rates Ulna, impairment of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5211, 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 Ulna, impairment of?

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 Ulna, impairment of qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?

Veterans rated for Ulna, impairment of may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.

What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Ulna, impairment of?

Service connection for Ulna, impairment of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.

What is the C&P exam like for Ulna, impairment of?

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Ulna, impairment of uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.

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