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).

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 →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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