Elbow Conditions
Diagnostic Codes 5205–5206 • 38 CFR § 4.71a
5205 covers elbow ankylosis (fusion). 5206 covers limitation of flexion of the forearm. Higher tiers often differ for major vs minor extremity—confirm which arm is dominant in the record.
Primary DCs
5205–06
Elbow Ratings at a Glance (2026 $, veteran alone)
Illustrative monthly compensation for a major extremity flexion limitation under 5206. Minor extremity values are lower at some tiers—read the schedule row for your arm.
5206 — flexion limited to 45° or less (major)
$552.47/mo
5206 — flexion limited to 55° (major)
$356.66/mo
5206 — flexion limited to 100° / painful motion
$180.42/mo
5205 — ankylosis tiers (favorable vs unfavorable)
$795.84–$1,132.90/mo
Extension is often rated under a separate code (limitation of extension). If both flexion and extension are impaired, the schedule may allow separate evaluations when not pyramiding—compare current § 4.71a notes.
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes for elbow conditions
Three Compensation Scenarios
Dominant elbow 20% + opposite wrist 10%
Combined lands near 28–30% before other claims—roughly $450–524/mo band (illustrative).
Elbow + ulnar neuropathy (separate)
Peripheral neuropathy (e.g., cubital tunnel) may be separately rated when not pyramiding with the same limitation—neuro exam + NCV/EMG help.
Elbow 30% + shoulder 20% + PTSD 50%
Multi-system claims often reach 80–100% combined depending on math—use the Rating Calculator.
Complete Rating Criteria (summary — DC 5205–5206)
| Rating | Criteria (summary — major extremity flexion / ankylosis) | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 50% / 40% | 5205 — ankylosis in unfavorable vs favorable angles (per schedule rows). | $1,132.90 / $795.84 |
| 30% | 5206 — flexion limited to 45° or less (major); different threshold for minor. | $552.47 |
| 20% | 5206 — flexion limited to 55° (major). | $356.66 |
| 10% | 5206 — flexion limited to 100° or qualifying painful motion (§ 4.59). | $180.42 |
| 0% | ROM not meeting compensable thresholds; no qualifying painful motion. | $0 |
Verify exact degree thresholds and major/minor columns in 38 CFR § 4.71a for your effective date.
Evidence Requirements
Goniometer flexion
Elbow flexion arc measured with shoulder stabilized; stop at pain.
Imaging
X-ray/MRI for loose bodies, arthritis, post-surgical hardware.
Functional testing
Grip, lifting limits, job accommodation letters.
Neuro workup
If numbness in ulnar distribution—consider separate neuropathy claim.
Lay statements
Difficulty with weapon manipulation, driving, hygiene tasks.
Common Secondary Conditions
🖐️ Wrist tendinopathy
STRONG5214 • Compensatory grip
💪 Shoulder strain
STRONG5201 • Altered mechanics
⚡ Ulnar neuropathy
STRONG8516 • Cubital tunnel
🧵 Median nerve
MODERATE8515 • Proximal entrapment
🫳 Cervical radiculopathy
MODERATE8510 • Overlapping nerve picture
🧠 Depression
MODERATE9434 • Chronic pain / job loss
Claim Timeline
STR & imaging
In-service elbow injury, post-op notes if any
File claim
State dominant hand; list nerve symptoms separately if applicable
C&P MSK
Confirm flexion measurements; ask about repetition / fatigue
Decision
Check major vs minor extremity application
Increase
Private PT goniometry if exam conflicts with treatment records
What Gets You Higher Ratings
Document dominant arm
Higher percentages attach to the major extremity—errors here directly change pay.
Separate extension code
If extension is limited, review whether a separate limitation-of-extension evaluation is supported.
DeLuca / flare-ups
Push for consideration of pain, weakness, and fatigue after repetitive use—not only single static ROM.
Common Mistakes
Wrong extremity tier
Minor arm ratings are lower—verify which column VA used.
Pyramiding elbow codes
Ankylosis vs ROM—VA should use higher of distinct evaluations per rules.
No nerve exam
Hand numbness may be a separate rating if not already part of ROM.
Over-forced ROM
Measurements past pain violate proper testing—note on appeal if applicable.
FAQs
▸ TBI and elbow—connection?
Fall injuries may link elbow fracture/ROM loss to an in-service event—STR and post-op notes matter.
▸ Can I get 5205 and 5206 together?
Generally not for the same disability manifestation—ankylosis supersedes pure motion limitation when fusion is total. Check regulatory anti-pyramiding notes.
▸ Secondary to shoulder?
Possible if altered throwing/lifting mechanics from a service-connected shoulder clearly aggravated the elbow—medical rationale helps.
Cross-Links
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.
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