Claiming Wrist Limitation of Motion?
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VA Rating Tiers
40%
ankylosis unfavorable
20%
ankylosis favorable
20%
severe rom
10%
moderate rom
0%
mild rom
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›40%: Unfavorable wrist ankylosis — wrist fused in non-functional position. DC 5215.
- ›20%: Favorable wrist ankylosis — wrist fused in functional position, or marked limitation. DC 5215.
- ›10%: Moderate limitation of wrist motion with functional impact. DC 5215.
- ›0%: Motion limitation below rating threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 5215: Wrist ankylosis — 20% favorable, 40% unfavorable.
- ›DC 5214: Limitation of dorsiflexion — 10% at 30° or less; 20% at 15° or less.
- ›Dominant extremity ratings receive a 10% add-on under 38 CFR § 4.68.
- ›Bilateral wrist claims are rated separately for each wrist then combined.
- ›ROM measurements from the C&P exam goniometer drive the rating — describe worst-day motion.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 5215 — wrist, ankylosis (favorable or unfavorable); DC 5214 — limitation of dorsiflexion.
- •Rating is based on measured degrees of motion — bring goniometric measurements from a provider.
- •Dominant vs. non-dominant hand affects combined rating under 38 CFR § 4.68.
- •Document in-service cause: fracture, sprain, repetitive use, or surgery.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •in-service records of wrist fracture, sprain, or repetitive strain injury
- •sick call or medical records noting wrist pain or limited motion during service
Medical Evidence
- •orthopedic or primary care records with range of motion measurements
- •X-ray or MRI showing arthritis, fracture malunion, or post-surgical changes
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing wrist stiffness and functional limits since service injury
Diagnostic Tests
- •wrist X-ray
- •MRI wrist
- •goniometric ROM measurement
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Orthopedic / Wrist DBQ
Be ready to describe
- •degrees of motion on worst days
- •which wrist is dominant
- •functional tasks you can no longer do
Prep notes
- •Do not push through pain to show full motion — move only to your actual comfortable limit.
- •Mention which hand is dominant — it affects the combined rating.
- •Bring X-ray or MRI reports if available.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 5215
- Category
- Musculoskeletal
- Subcategory
- Upper Extremity
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 40%
Also Known As
wrist limitation of motionwrist ROMlimited wrist motionwrist stiffnesswrist flexion limitationwrist extension limitationrestricted wrist movementwrist ankylosis
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