---
title: "DC 5215 - Wrist, limitation of motion of"
diagnostic_code: "5215"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5215-limited-wrist-motion"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:49:09.923454Z"
---

# DC 5215 - Wrist, limitation of motion of

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10% | 10% | Dorsiflexion less than 15° |
| 10% | 10% | Palmar flexion limited in line with forearm |

# Wrist, Limitation of Motion (Diagnostic Code 5215)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

Limitation of motion of the wrist refers to a reduced ability to move the wrist through its normal range. Under the VA rating schedule, this condition is evaluated based on how restricted specific wrist movements are.

The VA looks at two particular measurements of wrist movement:

- **Dorsiflexion** — bending the wrist backward (moving the back of the hand toward the forearm).
- **Palmar flexion** — bending the wrist forward (moving the palm toward the forearm).

## Available Rating Levels

Under Diagnostic Code 5215, the following rating levels are recognized:

| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|--------|----------|-------------------------------|
| 10% | Dorsiflexion less than 15° | 10% |
| 10% | Palmar flexion limited in line with forearm | 10% |

Note that the rating is the same (10%) whether the affected wrist is on the dominant or non-dominant side of the body.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating limitation of motion of the wrist, the VA evaluates:

- Whether **dorsiflexion is less than 15°**, or
- Whether **palmar flexion is limited in line with the forearm**.

Either of these findings supports a **10%** rating under this diagnostic code, and this applies to both the dominant and non-dominant (minor) extremity.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5215) and is provided for general educational purposes.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a