Wrist, limitation of motion of — VA Diagnostic Code 5215

Dorsiflexion less than 15°

That is the first DC 5215 line, in those words. The schedule does not add a further definition of dorsiflexion under this code.

Palmar flexion limited in line with forearm

That is the second line, in those words. The schedule does not convert “in line with forearm” into a degree number under DC 5215.

How the joint is measured

38 CFR § 4.46 (Accurate measurement) says the use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. 38 CFR § 4.59 (Painful motion) says the joints involved should be tested for pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing and, if possible, with the range of the opposite undamaged joint. The same section says the intent is to recognize actually painful, unstable, or malaligned joints, due to healed injury, as entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint. 38 CFR § 4.40 (Functional loss) says functional loss may be due to pain, supported by adequate pathology and evidenced by the visible behavior of the claimant undertaking the motion, and that weakness is as important as limitation of motion. 38 CFR § 4.45 (The joints) directs inquiry to less movement than normal, more movement than normal, weakened movement, excess fatigability, incoordination, and pain on movement, swelling, deformity, or atrophy of disuse. For arthritis, it names the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle as major joints. 38 CFR § 4.71 says Plates I and II provide a standardized description of ankylosis and joint motion measurement. This page does not retype the plates.

Higher of two evaluations

38 CFR § 4.7 (Higher of two evaluations) assigns the higher rating when the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. Otherwise, the lower rating will be assigned. 38 CFR § 4.6 (Evaluation of evidence) requires each element affecting the evidence to be studied so that decisions will be equitable and just.

Ankylosis is DC 5214, not DC 5215

Replacement and forearm codes

The same findings under more than one code

What is the VA rating for limitation of wrist motion under DC 5215?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5215, dorsiflexion less than 15 degrees is 10 percent in the Major column and 10 percent in the Minor column. Palmar flexion limited in line with the forearm is the same, 10 and 10. The code prints no higher line. Education only. VA decides on the evidence.

Does DC 5215 use a different percent for the other wrist?

The printed numbers are 10 and 10 for each line. Section 4.69 addresses which hand is dominant for a dominant rating. It says only one hand shall be considered dominant. The column headings in the table are Major and Minor.

What does DC 5215 rate?

Diagnostic Code 5215 in 38 CFR § 4.71a is “Wrist, limitation of motion of.” The lines are dorsiflexion less than 15 degrees, and palmar flexion limited in line with the forearm. Ankylosis is DC 5214. Education only.

What percentages does DC 5215 print?

Each line is 10 in the Major column and 10 in the Minor column. The code does not print a 20, 30, 40, or 50 percent line. It also does not print a 0 percent line. Section 4.31 assigns 0 percent when a compensable evaluation is not met.

What does the examination measure?

Section 4.46 says a goniometer is indispensable for limitation of motion in VA examinations. Section 4.59 says to test the joint for pain on active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing, and, if possible, with the opposite undamaged joint. Sections 4.40 and 4.45 address functional loss, weakness, fatigability, incoordination, and pain on movement.

Where is ankylosis rated?

DC 5214 rates ankylosis of the wrist. Favorable ankylosis in 20 to 30 degrees of dorsiflexion is 30 major and 20 minor. The unfavorable line is 50 major and 40 minor. The DC 5214 note sends extremely unfavorable ankylosis to DC 5125, loss of use of the hand.