VA Diagnostic Code 5211Ulna, impairment of:
Rated from 10% to 40% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 40%30% non-dominant
Nonunion in upper half, with false movement: With loss of bone substance (1 inch (2.5 cms.) or more) and marked deformity
- 30%20% non-dominant
Nonunion in upper half, with false movement: Without loss of bone substance or deformity
- 20%20% non-dominant
Nonunion in lower half
- 10%10% non-dominant
Malunion of, with bad alignment
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.
Ulna Impairment (VA Diagnostic Code 5211)
Understanding how the VA rates impairment of the ulna under § 4.71a.
What This Condition Involves
The ulna is one of the two long bones in the forearm. Diagnostic Code 5211 covers impairment of the ulna, and falls under the Musculoskeletal System in the VA's rating schedule.
When rating this condition, the VA considers factors such as whether there is nonunion (the bone failing to heal back together), where along the bone that nonunion occurs (upper half or lower half), whether there is "false movement," loss of bone substance, deformity, or malunion (the bone healing in a poor position).
The VA also distinguishes between your dominant ("major") arm and your non-dominant ("minor") arm, which can affect the assigned rating level.
Available Rating Levels
The ratings below list the level for the dominant extremity first, followed by the level for the non-dominant extremity where it differs.
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 40% (30% non-dominant) | Nonunion in the upper half, with false movement — with loss of bone substance (1 inch / 2.5 cm or more) and marked deformity |
| 30% (20% non-dominant) | Nonunion in the upper half, with false movement — without loss of bone substance or deformity |
| 20% (20% non-dominant) | Nonunion in the lower half |
| 10% (10% non-dominant) | Malunion, with bad alignment |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating an ulna impairment, the VA reviews:
- Whether there is nonunion or malunion of the bone.
- The location of any nonunion — upper half versus lower half of the ulna.
- The presence of false movement where the bone has not healed.
- Loss of bone substance (1 inch / 2.5 cm or more) and marked deformity, which support the highest listed level.
- Bad alignment in cases of malunion.
- Whether the affected arm is your dominant or non-dominant side, which is factored into the rating.
Important Note
Per the rating schedule: 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 the rating for loss of use of the hand.
This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule at § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5211. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome. Individual evaluations are based on your specific medical evidence and examination.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5211. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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