Wrist claims: what the exam measures and when nerve problems rate separately
· Claim Situation
The situation
Wrist ratings for motion alone are limited, so knowing about related conditions matters. Nerve problems in the hand are rated under different codes than the wrist joint.
Wrist motion
Limited wrist motion is rated under diagnostic code 5215, which caps at 10% for limited motion. Ankylosis (a fused wrist) is rated higher under 5214 (38 CFR 4.71a).
Nerve involvement
Carpal tunnel and other nerve injuries are rated under the peripheral nerve codes, such as 8515 for the median nerve (38 CFR 4.124a). They rate by severity (mild, moderate, severe) and by dominant or minor hand. Ask whether nerve testing (EMG) is needed.
Pain, flare-ups and repeated use
As with any joint, the examiner should consider painful motion and loss after repeated use (38 CFR 4.40, 38 CFR 4.59). Describe grip, typing, tools, and dropping things.
Prepare
- Note which hand is dominant.
- List tasks you can't do or avoid.
- Mention numbness, tingling and night symptoms.
- Bring a flare-up log.
Related
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Educational only, not legal or medical advice. We are not VA-accredited. No one can promise an outcome; VA decides each claim on its own evidence. Rules and rates change; check the linked VA and eCFR sources.