Wrist Limitation of Motion

DC 5215Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5215

Limited ability to move your wrist. The VA rates wrist limitation of motion at a maximum of 10% unless there is ankylosis (complete fusion of the joint).

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition primarily based on range-of-motion measurements. During your C&P exam, the examiner will use a goniometer to measure how far you can move the affected joint. Pain, flare-ups, and repetitive-use limitations also factor into the final rating.

Diagnostic code

DC 5215

Rating range

10% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5215. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your wrist dorsiflexion (bending back) is less than 15 degrees, or your palmar flexion is limited in line with the forearm. This is the maximum rating under this code for both the dominant and non-dominant hand.

What the VA looks for

Dorsiflexion less than 15 degrees
OR palmar flexion limited in line with forearm
Range of motion measured by goniometer
Pain on motion documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠DC 5215 has a maximum of 10% — if your wrist is fused (ankylosed), you should be rated under DC 5214, which provides ratings from 20% to 50% depending on the position of ankylosis and dominant hand.
⚠Not documenting all wrist motions affected — the examiner should test dorsiflexion, palmar flexion, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation to build a complete picture.
⚠Not filing for carpal tunnel syndrome (DC 8515) as a separate neurological condition if you have numbness, tingling, or weakness — wrist limitation and nerve conditions use different codes.
⚠Not connecting wrist problems to secondary conditions — wrist limitation can affect your grip strength and lead to elbow and shoulder compensation injuries.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Wrist Conditions
DBQ Hand and Finger Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Wrist Limitation of Motion or rated under the same body system.

Lumbar Strain (Low Back Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Cervical Strain (Neck Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Flexion

DC 5260·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Extension

DC 5261·Musculoskeletal

Knee Instability (Subluxation)

DC 5257·Musculoskeletal

Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain)

DC 5276·Musculoskeletal

Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

DC 5003·Musculoskeletal

Fibromyalgia

DC 5025·Musculoskeletal

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5215

Rating range

10% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Dorsiflexion less than 15 degrees
OR palmar flexion limited in line with forearm
Range of motion measured by goniometer
Pain on motion documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠DC 5215 has a maximum of 10% — if your wrist is fused (ankylosed), you should be rated under DC 5214, which provides ratings from 20% to 50% depending on the position of ankylosis and dominant hand.

⚠Not documenting all wrist motions affected — the examiner should test dorsiflexion, palmar flexion, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation to build a complete picture.

⚠Not filing for carpal tunnel syndrome (DC 8515) as a separate neurological condition if you have numbness, tingling, or weakness — wrist limitation and nerve conditions use different codes.

⚠Not connecting wrist problems to secondary conditions — wrist limitation can affect your grip strength and lead to elbow and shoulder compensation injuries.