VA Diagnostic Code 5207Forearm, limitation of extension of:
Rated from 10% to 50% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 50%40% non-dominant
Extension limited to 110°
- 40%30% non-dominant
Extension limited to 100°
- 30%20% non-dominant
Extension limited to 90°
- 20%20% non-dominant
Extension limited to 75°
- 10%10% non-dominant
Extension limited to 60°
- 10%10% non-dominant
Extension limited to 45°
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: In all the forearm and wrist injuries, codes 5205 through 5213, multiple impaired finger movements due to tendon tie-up, muscle or nerve injury, are to be separately rated and combined not to exceed rating for loss of use of hand.
Forearm — Limitation of Extension (Diagnostic Code 5207)
Understanding This Rating
Diagnostic Code 5207 covers limitation of extension of the forearm, a musculoskeletal condition rated under § 4.71a.
Extension refers to the ability to straighten your arm at the elbow. When an injury or condition prevents your forearm from extending fully, the VA measures how far your extension is limited (in degrees) to determine a disability rating.
Because it matters which arm is affected, the VA assigns ratings based on whether the limitation is in your dominant arm (the one you write with, often called the "major" extremity) or your non-dominant arm (the "minor" extremity).
Available Rating Levels
The following ratings apply based on how limited your forearm extension is. Each level lists the rating for the dominant extremity, with the non-dominant extremity rating noted alongside it.
| Rating (Dominant) | Rating (Non-Dominant) | What It Reflects |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | 40% | Extension limited to 110° |
| 40% | 30% | Extension limited to 100° |
| 30% | 20% | Extension limited to 90° |
| 20% | 20% | Extension limited to 75° |
| 10% | 10% | Extension limited to 60° |
| 10% | 10% | Extension limited to 45° |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating limitation of extension of the forearm, the VA focuses on:
- The degree to which extension is limited — measured in degrees, which places your condition on the rating scale above.
- Which extremity is affected — dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor), since this changes the assigned percentage.
Important Note
For all forearm and wrist injuries covered under diagnostic codes 5205 through 5213, multiple impaired finger movements due to tendon tie-up, muscle, or nerve injury are to be separately rated and combined, not to exceed the rating for loss of use of the hand.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under § 4.71a for Diagnostic Code 5207. It is provided for general understanding and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5207. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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