[VA Disability](https://research.superinsight.me/research/va) / thread

# Range of Motion by Rating

8/14/2026

Question Show the range of motion for different ratings

Answer

#### Direct answer

The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities ties specific range-of-motion (ROM) measurements to assigned percentages across the major joints. The operative ROM-based diagnostic codes in the sources provided cover the shoulder, elbow/forearm, wrist, hand/digits, spine, hip/thigh, knee, and ankle. The spine DCs (5235–5243) all share a single General Rating Formula, while the extremity joints each have their own ROM-specific codes.

#### Analysis

#### Shoulder (Arm)

**DC 5201 — Arm, limitation of motion of** [\[24\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5201)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25° from side | 30% |
| Midway between side and shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 45°) | 20% |
| At shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 90°) | 20% |

**DC 5200 — Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of** [\[27\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5200)

| Position | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25° from side | 40% |
| Intermediate between favorable and unfavorable | 30% |
| Favorable, abduction to 60°, can reach mouth and head | 20% |

#### Elbow / Forearm

**DC 5206 — Forearm, limitation of flexion of** [\[34\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5206)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Flexion limited to 45° | 40% |
| Flexion limited to 55° | 30% |
| Flexion limited to 70° | 20% |
| Flexion limited to 90° | 20% |
| Flexion limited to 100° | 10% |
| Flexion limited to 110° | 0% |

**DC 5207 — Forearm, limitation of extension of** [\[35\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5207)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Extension limited to 110° | 40% |
| Extension limited to 100° | 30% |
| Extension limited to 90° | 20% |
| Extension limited to 75° | 20% |
| Extension limited to 60° | 10% |
| Extension limited to 45° | 10% |

**DC 5208 — Forearm, flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45°** [\[33\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5208)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45° | 20% |

#### Wrist

**DC 5215 — Wrist, limitation of motion of** [\[37\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5215)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Dorsiflexion less than 15° | 10% |
| Palmar flexion limited in line with forearm | 10% |

**DC 5214 — Wrist, ankylosis of** [\[49\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5214)

| Position | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Unfavorable, in any degree of palmar flexion, or with ulnar or radial deviation | 40% |
| Any other position, except favorable | 30% |
| Favorable in 20° to 30° dorsiflexion | 20% |

#### Hand / Digits

**DC 5228 — Thumb, limitation of motion** [\[42\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5228)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Gap of more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) between thumb pad and fingers | 20% |
| Gap of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) | 10% |
| Gap of less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) | 0% |

**DC 5229 — Index or long finger, limitation of motion** [\[41\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5229)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Gap ≥ 1 inch (2.5 cm) between fingertip and proximal transverse crease, or extension limited by more than 30° | 10% |
| Gap < 1 inch and extension limited by no more than 30° | 0% |

**DC 5230 — Ring or little finger, limitation of motion** [\[40\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5230)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Any limitation of motion | 0% |

#### Spine — General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine

This formula applies to DCs 5235 through 5243 (unless 5243 is evaluated under the incapacitating-episodes formula) [\[18\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5243)[\[36\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5235)[\[38\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5236)[\[39\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5237)[\[43\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5238)[\[44\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5240)[\[45\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5241)[\[46\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5239)[\[47\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5242):

| ROM / Finding | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine | 100% |
| Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine | 50% |
| Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; **or** forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine **30° or less**; **or** favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine | 40% |
| Forward flexion of the cervical spine **15° or less**; **or** favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine | 30% |
| Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine **greater than 30° but not greater than 60°**; **or** forward flexion of the cervical spine **greater than 15° but not greater than 30°**; **or** combined ROM of the thoracolumbar spine **not greater than 120°**; **or** combined ROM of the cervical spine **not greater than 170°**; **or** muscle spasm/guarding severe enough to cause abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour | 20% |
| Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine **greater than 60° but not greater than 85°**; **or** forward flexion of the cervical spine **greater than 30° but not greater than 40°**; **or** combined ROM of the thoracolumbar spine **greater than 120° but not greater than 235°**; **or** combined ROM of the cervical spine **greater than 170° but not greater than 335°**; **or** muscle spasm/guarding/localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; **or** vertebral body fracture with loss of 15%–20% height (per source truncation) | 10% |

#### Hip / Thigh

**DC 5252 — Thigh, limitation of flexion of** [\[29\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5252)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Flexion limited to 10° | 40% |
| Flexion limited to 20° | 30% |
| Flexion limited to 30° | 20% |
| Flexion limited to 45° | 10% |

**DC 5251 — Thigh, limitation of extension of** [\[31\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5251)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Extension limited to 5° | 10% |

**DC 5250 — Hip, ankylosis of** [\[52\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5250)

| Position | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable, foot not reaching ground, crutches necessitated | 90% |
| Intermediate | 70% |
| Favorable, in flexion at 20°–40° with slight adduction or abduction | 60% |

#### Knee / Leg

**DC 5260 — Leg, limitation of flexion of** [\[16\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5260)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Flexion limited to 15° | 30% |
| Flexion limited to 30° | 20% |
| Flexion limited to 45° | 10% |
| Flexion limited to 60° | 0% |

**DC 5261 — Leg, limitation of extension of** [\[17\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5261)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Extension limited to 45° | 50% |
| Extension limited to 30° | 40% |
| Extension limited to 20° | 30% |
| Extension limited to 15° | 20% |
| Extension limited to 10° | 10% |
| Extension limited to 5° | 0% |

**DC 5256 — Knee, ankylosis of** [\[48\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5256)

| Position | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at 45° or more | 60% |
| In flexion between 20° and 45° | 50% |
| In flexion between 10° and 20° | 40% |
| Favorable angle in full extension, or slight flexion between 0° and 10° | 30% |

#### Ankle

**DC 5271 — Ankle, limited motion of** [\[32\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5271)

| ROM Limitation | Rating |
| --- | --- |
| Marked (less than 5° dorsiflexion or less than 10° plantar flexion) | 20% |
| Moderate (less than 15° dorsiflexion or less than 30° plantar flexion) | 10% |

#### Key points

- **Spine formula is shared across many DCs.** DCs 5235 (vertebral fracture), 5236 (sacroiliac injury), 5237 (lumbosacral/cervical strain), 5238 (spinal stenosis), 5239 (spondylolisthesis), 5240 (ankylosing spondylitis), 5241 (spinal fusion), 5242 (deenerative arthritis), and 5243 (intervertebral disc syndrome) all use the same General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, which keys primarily on forward flexion and combined ROM measurements [\[18\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5243)[\[36\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5235)[\[38\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5236)[\[39\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5237)[\[43\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5238)[\[44\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5240)[\[45\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5241)[\[46\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5239)[\[47\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5242).

- **Post-traumatic arthritis (DC 5010) is rated by reference to the affected joint's limitation-of-motion code.** Where two or more joints are affected, each rating is combined under § 4.25 [\[7\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5010). This means the ROM tables above (e.g., DC 5260, 5201, 5252) are the operative rating criteria for post-traumatic arthritic joints as well.

- **Prosthetic replacements have their own ROM-linked tiers.** For knee replacement (DC 5055), intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain, or limitation of motion are rated "by analogy to diagnostic codes 5256, 5261, or 5262" [\[23\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5055). For shoulder replacement (DC 5051), intermediate residuals are rated "by analogy to diagnostic codes 5200 and 5203" [\[28\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5051). For hip replacement (DC 5054), resurfacing is evaluated under DCs 5250 through 5255 after the 100% convalescent period [\[30\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5054).

- **The 10% spine tier includes non-ROM criteria.** Even without meeting a specific ROM threshold, a veteran may qualify for 10% based on muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness (not causing abnormal gait or contour), or vertebral body fracture with stated height loss [\[36\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5235)[\[39\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5237)[\[43\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5238).

- **Ankylosis codes complement limitation-of-motion codes.** Where a joint is fused rather than merely limited, the ankylosis DC (e.g., DC 5200 shoulder, DC 5214 wrist, DC 5250 hip, DC 5256 knee) provides the rating, with the degree of unfavorable positioning determining the percentage [\[27\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5200)[\[49\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5214)[\[52\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5250)[\[48\]](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5256).

This answer draws on the most relevant sources found. Ask a follow-up to dig deeper into any point.

#### Pinned citations

[7] [DC 5010 — Post-traumatic arthritis: Rate as limitation of motion, dislocation, or other specified instability under the affected joint. If there are 2 or more joints affected, each rating shall be combined in accordance with § 4.25 · Acute, Subacute, or Chronic Diseases](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5010) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5010 [16] [DC 5260 — Leg, limitation of flexion of · The Knee and Leg](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5260) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5260 [17] [DC 5261 — Leg, limitation of extension of · The Knee and Leg](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5261) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5261 [18] [DC 5243 — Intervertebral disc syndrome: Assign this diagnostic code only when there is disc herniation with compression and/or irritation of the adjacent nerve root; assign diagnostic code 5242 for all other disc diagnoses · The Spine](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5243) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5243 [23] [DC 5055 — Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) · Prosthetic Implants and Resurfacing](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5055) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5055 [24] [DC 5201 — Arm, limitation of motion of · The Shoulder and Arm](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5201) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5201 [27] [DC 5200 — Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of · The Shoulder and Arm](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5200) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5200 [28] [DC 5051 — Shoulder replacement (prosthesis) · Prosthetic Implants and Resurfacing](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5051) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5051 [29] [DC 5252 — Thigh, limitation of flexion of · The Hip and Thigh](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5252) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5252 [30] [DC 5054 — Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) · Prosthetic Implants and Resurfacing](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5054) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5054 [31] [DC 5251 — Thigh, limitation of extension of · The Hip and Thigh](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5251) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5251 [32] [DC 5271 — Ankle, limited motion of · The Ankle](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5271) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5271 [33] [DC 5208 — Forearm, flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45° · The Elbow and Forearm](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5208) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5208 [34] [DC 5206 — Forearm, limitation of flexion of · The Elbow and Forearm](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5206) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5206 [35] [DC 5207 — Forearm, limitation of extension of · The Elbow and Forearm](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5207) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5207 [36] [DC 5235 — Vertebral fracture or dislocation · The Spine](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5235) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5235 [37] [DC 5215 — Wrist, limitation of motion of · The Wrist](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5215) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5215 [38] [DC 5236 — Sacroiliac injury and weakness · The Spine](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5236) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5236 [39] [DC 5237 — Lumbosacral or cervical strain · The Spine](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5237) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5237 [40] [DC 5230 — Ring or little finger, limitation of motion · Evaluation of Ankylosis or Limitation of Motion of Single or Multiple Digits of the Hand](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5230) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5230 [41] [DC 5229 — Index or long finger, limitation of motion · Evaluation of Ankylosis or Limitation of Motion of Single or Multiple Digits of the Hand](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5229) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5229 [42] [DC 5228 — Thumb, limitation of motion · Evaluation of Ankylosis or Limitation of Motion of Single or Multiple Digits of the Hand](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5228) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5228 [43] [DC 5238 — Spinal stenosis · The Spine](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5238) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5238 [44] [DC 5240 — Ankylosing spondylitis · The Spine](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5240) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5240 [45] [DC 5241 — Spinal fusion · The Spine](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5241) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5241 [46] [DC 5239 — Spondylolisthesis or segmental instability · The Spine](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5239) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5239 [47] [DC 5242 — Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) · The Spine](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5242) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5242 [48] [DC 5256 — Knee, ankylosis of · The Knee and Leg](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5256) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5256 [49] [DC 5214 — Wrist, ankylosis of · The Wrist](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5214) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5214 [52] [DC 5250 — Hip, ankylosis of · The Hip and Thigh](https://lib.superinsight.me/v/2026-07-28/va/vasrd/musculoskeletal-system#5250) 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5250

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