VA Disability Rating for Radius Impairment
Diagnostic Code 5212 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
DC 5212 covers impairments of the radius bone, which is the forearm bone on the thumb side. The radius is crucial for forearm rotation and wrist function. Impairments include nonunion where a fracture fails to heal, and malunion where it heals in a misaligned position. The schedule rates nonunion in the lower half of the radius — the wrist end — higher than nonunion in the upper half. Lower-half nonunion with false movement is 40 percent (major arm) or 30 percent (minor arm) with loss of bone substance of 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more and marked deformity, and 30 or 20 percent without loss of bone substance or deformity. Nonunion in the upper half is 20 percent for either arm, and malunion with bad alignment is 10 percent for either arm. The ulna code next to it, DC 5211, runs the other way: there it is upper-half nonunion that carries the higher figures. Veterans commonly fracture the radius during falls onto an outstretched hand during training, vehicle accidents, or combat injuries.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Nonunion in lower half, with false movement, with loss of bone substance (1 inch (2.5 cm) or more) and marked deformity — major (dominant) arm. |
| 30% | Nonunion in lower half, with false movement, with loss of bone substance (1 inch (2.5 cm) or more) and marked deformity — minor (non-dominant) arm. Also: nonunion in lower half, with false movement, without loss of bone substance or deformity — major (dominant) arm. |
| 20% | Nonunion in lower half, with false movement, without loss of bone substance or deformity — minor (non-dominant) arm. Also: nonunion in upper half — either arm. |
| 10% | Malunion of the radius, with bad alignment — either arm. |
Evidence Needed
- Imaging showing radius nonunion or malunion
- Medical records from the original fracture during service
- Physical exam documenting instability or deformity
- Range of motion testing of the wrist and forearm rotation
- Documentation of dominant arm
C&P Exam Tips
- Show imaging documenting the radius impairment
- Demonstrate any forearm rotation limitation caused by the deformity
- Show wrist instability if the lower radius is affected
- Describe how grip strength and fine motor function are affected
- Document your dominant arm
How to File
File under DC 5212 for radius impairment. Specify whether it is nonunion or malunion and which half of the bone is affected — lower-half nonunion with false movement carries the higher figures. For lower-half nonunion, make sure the record states whether there is false movement, whether bone substance of 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more has been lost, and whether there is marked deformity. Include imaging and dominant arm documentation.
Common Mistakes
- Not specifying the location of the impairment on the radius.
- Failing to document the impact on wrist function when the lower radius is affected.
- Not noting dominant arm status.
- Missing forearm rotation limitation caused by the deformity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a distal radius fracture the same as a wrist fracture?
A distal radius fracture occurs at the lower end of the radius near the wrist and is the most common type of wrist fracture. If it heals with malunion or nonunion, it is rated under DC 5212 for radius impairment. If it causes limitation of wrist motion, it may be rated under DC 5215.
Can radius impairment affect forearm rotation?
Yes, the radius is the bone that rotates around the ulna to turn your palm up and down. If the radius is deformed or has nonunion, forearm rotation can be significantly impaired. This may qualify for a separate rating under DC 5213.