Diagnostic Code 5215: Wrist. Limitation of Motion Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 10%
- Rating levels
- 1
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Wrist. Limitation of Motion under diagnostic code 5215 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5215 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Dorsiflexion less than 15 degrees (major or minor arm); palmar flexion limited in line with forearm (major or minor arm) What raters look fordorsiflexion less than 15 degrees; palmar flexion limited in line with forearm |
DC 5215 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 984 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 5215 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 9.8%, denied 79.9% and sent 10.4% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Recorded exam issues in remanded DC 5215 rulings
Percentages use all 102 rating rulings under this code the Board remanded, 2021 to 2026. Some rulings have no recorded exam classification, and small categories are not shown, so these rows need not total 100 percent.
- The VA exam or opinion was not adequate72.5%
- The exam was out of date or the condition had worsened13.7%
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 5215 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Wrist. The Wrist condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Wrist appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 8,558 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Wrist, 2021 to 2026. The Wrist condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Wrist appeals generally rather than DC 5215 specifically. The DC 5215 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5215?
Diagnostic code 5215 is the VA rating schedule entry for Wrist. Limitation of Motion, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5215?
DC 5215 provides ratings of 10%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5215 require?
The 10% rating for Wrist. Limitation of Motion requires: Dorsiflexion less than 15 degrees (major or minor arm); palmar flexion limited in line with forearm (major or minor arm).
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 5215?
In 978 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 5215 from 2021 to 2026, 9.5% were granted, 80.2% denied and 10.3% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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