Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint)
The VA rates Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) under Diagnostic Code 5205, with separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm: 40% to 60% for the dominant arm and 30% to 50% for the non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition.
Catalog name: Elbow, ankylosis of.
Rating schedule · DC 5205 at a glance
- Dominant arm
- 40% to 60%
- Non-dominant arm
- 30% to 50%
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Major column of the published table
Minor column of the published table
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint)?
DC 5205 is rated separately for your dominant arm and your non-dominant arm. 38 CFR § 4.69 decides which arm is dominant.
Source: 38 CFR § 4.71a, eCFR as of .
Notes for DC 5205
- Note: In all the forearm and wrist injuries, codes 5205 through 5213, multiple impaired finger movements due to tendon tie-up, muscle or nerve injury, are to be separately rated and combined not to exceed rating for loss of use of hand.
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5173Toes, three or four, amputation of, without metatarsal involvement
- 5200Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of
- 5201Arm, limitation of motion of
- 5202Humerus, other impairment of
- 5203Clavicle or scapula, impairment of
- 5206Forearm, limitation of flexion of
- 5207Forearm, limitation of extension of
- 5208Forearm, flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45°
- 5209Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint
- 5210Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint
What to do with a Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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Common Questions About Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint)?
Dominant arm: 40% to 60%; non-dominant arm: 30% to 50%, under DC 5205, 38 CFR § 4.71a. The applicable column depends on which arm is dominant under 38 CFR § 4.69.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint)?
The VA rates Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5205, published in 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 40% and a 60% dominant-arm rating for Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint)?
These figures are the dominant-arm column of DC 5205. A 40% dominant-arm rating is published for: Favorable, at an angle between 90° and 70°. A 60% dominant-arm rating is published for: Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation. The non-dominant arm is rated on its own column, 30% to 50%.
Can Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) qualify for TDIU?
Using the dominant-arm maximum: DC 5205 publishes up to 60% for the dominant arm and up to 50% for the non-dominant arm. A 60% rating for one disability meets the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% (38 CFR § 4.16(a)); if the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, VA pays at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating. The non-dominant arm maximum of 50% does not meet that threshold on its own.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint)?
The key evidence for Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint)?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5205 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms. If you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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