Elbow — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Elbow ROM is rated under the General Rating Formula tables of §4.71a; normal elbow flexion is 145 degrees and normal extension is 0 degrees (see Plate I).
• Flexion is rated under DC 5206 and extension under DC 5207 — these can, in some cases, be combined when both flexion and extension are limited (see DC 5208 and VA rating guidance), but avoid pyramiding for the same functional loss.
• Higher percentages under DC 5206/5207 differ between major and minor arm only beginning at the 20/30% tiers and above — confirm handedness in the record.
• Under Mitchell v. Shinseki and 38 CFR §4.40/§4.45/§4.59, painful motion and functional loss during flare-ups or repetitive use must be considered even if measured ROM alone does not meet a higher tier.
• Confirm the exact figures against the current 38 CFR §4.71a text, which was updated by VA's musculoskeletal rating revisions — do not rely on memory for borderline degree cut-offs.

Evidence that helps

• Goniometer-measured active and passive range-of-motion findings for elbow flexion and extension (in degrees)
• VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for elbow/forearm conditions
• Documentation of dominant vs. non-dominant hand
• Findings on repetitive-use testing (at least three repetitions) and any additional loss of motion
• Statements or records describing flare-up frequency, severity, and additional functional impairment
• Notation of painful motion, weakness, fatigue, incoordination, or lack of endurance
• Imaging (X-ray/MRI) or surgical records establishing the underlying diagnosis

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

Conditions medically linked to Elbow — each can be worth a separate or secondary claim:

• Shoulder — Overuse injuries commonly affect the elbow and shoulder together.
• Wrist — Elbow, wrist, and forearm conditions frequently co-exist.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for elbow?

The VA rates elbow under 38 CFR diagnostic code 5206. The rating tiers are: 0% — DC 5206 (flexion): flexion of the forearm limited to 110 degrees. Rated 0% (noncompensable).; 10% — DC 5206 (flexion): flexion limited to 100 degrees. DC 5207 (extension): extension limited to 45 or 60 degrees. Rated 10%.; 20% — DC 5206 (flexion): flexion limited to 90 degrees. DC 5207 (extension): extension limited to 75 degrees. Rated 20% (major or minor arm).; 30% — DC 5206 (flexion): flexion limited to 70 degrees — 30% major arm, 20% minor arm. DC 5207 (extension): extension limited to 90 degrees — 30% major, 20% minor.; 40% — DC 5206 (flexion): flexion limited to 55 degrees — 40% major arm, 30% minor arm. DC 5207 (extension): extension limited to 100 degrees — 40% major, 30% minor.; 50% — DC 5206 (flexion): flexion limited to 45 degrees — 50% major arm, 40% minor arm. DC 5207 (extension): extension limited to 110 degrees — 50% major, 40% minor.. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.

How much VA disability compensation is elbow?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Elbow can be rated from 0% to 50%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.

What evidence do I need for a elbow VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: Goniometer-measured active and passive range-of-motion findings for elbow flexion and extension (in degrees); VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for elbow/forearm conditions; Documentation of dominant vs. non-dominant hand; Findings on repetitive-use testing (at least three repetitions) and any additional loss of motion; Statements or records describing flare-up frequency, severity, and additional functional impairment; Notation of painful motion, weakness, fatigue, incoordination, or lack of endurance; Imaging (X-ray/MRI) or surgical records establishing the underlying diagnosis.

How do I get the correct rating for elbow?

To be rated accurately: Elbow ROM is rated under the General Rating Formula tables of §4.71a; normal elbow flexion is 145 degrees and normal extension is 0 degrees (see Plate I).; Flexion is rated under DC 5206 and extension under DC 5207 — these can, in some cases, be combined when both flexion and extension are limited (see DC 5208 and VA rating guidance), but avoid pyramiding for the same functional loss.; Higher percentages under DC 5206/5207 differ between major and minor arm only beginning at the 20/30% tiers and above — confirm handedness in the record.; Under Mitchell v. Shinseki and 38 CFR §4.40/§4.45/§4.59, painful motion and functional loss during flare-ups or repetitive use must be considered even if measured ROM alone does not meet a higher tier.; Confirm the exact figures against the current 38 CFR §4.71a text, which was updated by VA's musculoskeletal rating revisions — do not rely on memory for borderline degree cut-offs..