Elbow, ankylosis of
Elbow, ankylosis of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5205, from 30% to 60% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 60% rating requires: Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation; 50. Most claims establish the 30% or 40% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 5205 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 30%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
30%, 40%, 50%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Elbow, ankylosis of?
Favorable, at an angle between 90° and 70°; 40
Intermediate, at an angle of more than 90°, or between 70° and 50°; 50
Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation; 60
Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation; 50
“Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation; 60”
Common Questions About Elbow, ankylosis of VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Elbow, ankylosis of?
The VA rates Elbow, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5205 at 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%. The minimum 30% rating requires: Favorable, at an angle between 90° and 70°; 40. The maximum 60% rating requires: Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation; 50.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Elbow, ankylosis of?
The VA rates Elbow, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5205, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 30% and a 60% rating for Elbow, ankylosis of?
A 30% rating requires: Favorable, at an angle between 90° and 70°; 40. A 60% rating requires: Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation; 50. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Elbow, ankylosis of qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Elbow, ankylosis of may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Elbow, ankylosis of?
Service connection for Elbow, ankylosis of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
What is the C&P exam like for Elbow, ankylosis of?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Elbow, ankylosis of uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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