EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Elbow Condition VA Disability Rating
DC 5205-5213 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2
OVERVIEW
Elbow conditions include lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), olecranon bursitis, and degenerative joint disease. Rated under DC 5205 (ankylosis), DC 5206 (forearm flexion limitation), DC 5207 (forearm extension limitation), DC 5208 (combined flexion/extension), or DC 5213 (supination/pronation impairment). Higher ratings apply to the dominant (major) arm. Common in mechanics, combat engineers, weapon systems operators, and any MOS with repetitive arm use.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
50% -- Forearm flexion limited to 45 degrees, major arm (DC 5206)
Severe flexion limitation of the dominant arm.
30% -- Forearm flexion limited to 70 degrees, major arm (DC 5206)
Significant flexion limitation.
20% -- Forearm flexion limited to 90 degrees, major arm (DC 5206)
Moderate flexion limitation.
10% -- Forearm flexion limited to 100 degrees, major arm (DC 5206)
Mild limitation.
20% -- Supination limited to 30 degrees or less, or pronation limited beyond last quarter of arc (DC 5213)
Rotation limitation of the forearm.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-X-ray or MRI showing degenerative changes, loose bodies, or soft tissue pathology
-Range of motion measurements for flexion, extension, supination, and pronation
-Service records documenting repetitive arm activities (MOS duties, heavy lifting, weapons handling)
-Treatment records for physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgical intervention
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 8515
Elbow dysfunction and compensatory grip changes stress the median nerve at the wrist.
DC 5200-5203
Compensatory shoulder use when elbow function is limited.
DC 9434/9413
Chronic pain and loss of arm function impact mental health.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.The dominant arm gets HIGHER ratings. Confirm which arm is dominant at the exam.
2.ROM must be tested per Correia requirements: active, passive, weight-bearing, non-weight-bearing.
3.If you have both flexion AND extension limitation, you may qualify for a higher combined evaluation under DC 5208.
4.Describe functional impact: difficulty lifting, carrying, gripping tools, performing job duties.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
Correia v. McDonald (2017)
ROM testing must include active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing measurements.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Dominant elbow at 20% pays $345.78/mo. With secondary carpal tunnel (30% major) and scars, combined ratings can reach 40-50% from upper extremity conditions alone.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026