Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint)
The VA rates Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) under Diagnostic Code 5205 across 4 severity levels, from 30% to 60%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Elbow, ankylosis of.
Rating schedule — DC 5205 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 30%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
30%, 40%, 50%, 60%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Favorable, at an angle between 90° and 70°; 40 |
| 40% | Intermediate, at an angle of more than 90°, or between 70° and 50°; 50 |
| 50% | Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation; 60 |
| 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”
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 involvementRated up to 20%
- 5200Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis ofRated up to 50%
- 5201Arm, limitation of motion ofRated up to 40%
- 5202Humerus, other impairment ofRated up to 80%
- 5203Clavicle or scapula, impairment ofRated up to 20%
- 5206Forearm, limitation of flexion ofRated up to 50%
- 5207Forearm, limitation of extension ofRated up to 50%
- 5208Forearm, flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45°Rated up to 20%
- 5209Elbow, other impairment of Flail jointRated up to 60%
- 5210Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false jointRated up to 50%
What to do with a Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) rating
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- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
- TDIU: 100 Percent VA Pay Without a 100 Percent RatingTDIU pays the 100% VA compensation rate without a 100% rating. See the percentage paths, the extraschedular route under 38 CFR 4.16(b), and how work affects it.
Common Questions About Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint)?
The VA rates Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) 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 (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 30% and a 60% rating for Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint)?
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 (fixed joint) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Elbow ankylosis (fixed joint) alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
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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