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Ganglion Cyst
DC 5299 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 |
Ganglion Cyst is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5299 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5299 across 3 severity tiers (20% / 10% / 0%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Fluid-filled cyst arising from a joint capsule or tendon sheath, commonly on the wrist, causing pain and limited motion
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
20%
Rare for ganglion cysts. DC 5215 Minor "Wrist ankylosis favorable in 20° to 30° dorsiflexion" = 20% (if ganglion has caused secondary wrist ankylosis — extremely uncommon). OR — DC 5003 X-ray-only "2+ minor joint groups" = 20% (Note 2 X-ray-only exclusion does NOT apply because DC 5299 is not in 5013-5024 exclusion range when rated by analogy to non-bursitis/tenosynovitis condition).
10%
DC 5215 "Wrist, limitation of motion: Dorsiflexion <15°" = 10% (if ganglion mechanically limits dorsiflexion); DC 5215 "Palmar flexion limited in line with forearm" = 10%; OR — DC 5003 single-joint fallback (wrist is one major joint per § 4.45) with painful motion / palpable tender ganglion = 10%; OR — rate by analogy to DC 5024 (Tenosynovitis) with the DC 5003 NOTE 2 X-ray-only exclusion applying. (Verbatim § 4.71a.)
0%
Asymptomatic ganglion cyst (incidental clinical or imaging finding) without functional impairment. Most ganglions are 0% — they fluctuate in size and frequently resolve spontaneously.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints
-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
-Range of motion measurements
-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin
-Buddy statements describing limitations
-Prescription history
-Physical therapy records
-Employment impact documentation
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.
2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.
3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.
4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).
5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.
6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026