★ Musculoskeletal
Elbow Conditions VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Codes 5206–5213
Overview
Normal elbow motion: flexion 0–145°, extension 0°.
Loss of flexion is rated by how far the elbow can bend; loss of extension by how far it falls short of straight.
DeLuca factors — pain, weakness, fatigability, and flare-ups — must be considered.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: in-service injury or chronic overuse.
- Secondary to wrist or shoulder pathology (compensatory overuse).
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Codes 5206–5213
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Flexion limited to 100° (DC 5206) or extension limited to 45–60°. |
| 20% | Flexion limited to 90° (dominant) / 70° (non-dominant), or extension limited to 75°. |
| 30–50% | Greater limitations or favorable ankylosis. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Elbow & Forearm Range of Motion Chart
38 CFR § 4.71, Plate I · rated under DCs 5205–5213
| Movement | Normal range | Where it becomes compensable |
|---|---|---|
| Flexion | 0° to 145° | 10% at 100°; 20% at 90°; 30% at 70°; 40% at 55°; 50% at 45° (DC 5206, major arm) |
| Extension | 145° to 0° | 10% at 45°; 20% at 75°; 30% at 90°; 40% at 100°; 50% at 110° (DC 5207, major arm) |
| Supination | 0° to 85° | 10% when limited to 30° or less (DC 5213) |
| Pronation | 0° to 80° | 20% when motion is lost beyond the last quarter of the arc (DC 5213, major arm) |
- Elbow evaluations are split between the major (dominant) and minor arm under 38 CFR § 4.69.
- Measurements are taken with a goniometer, both actively and passively, and VA must consider additional loss of function from pain, weakness, fatigability, and incoordination (38 CFR §§ 4.40 and 4.45, DeLuca v. Brown).
- If flare-ups reduce motion below the measured range, the examiner is expected to estimate that additional loss — describe frequency, duration, and severity of flare-ups at the exam (Sharp v. Shulkin).
Evidence Checklist
- Goniometer-measured range of motion.
- Imaging (X-ray/MRI).
- Operative reports if surgical history.
- Treatment notes including PT.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Elbow Conditions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Elbow Conditions claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.