Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint
The VA rates Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint under Diagnostic Code 5209 across 3 severity levels, from 20% to 60%. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 5209 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
20%, 50%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Joint fracture, with marked cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity or with ununited fracture of head of radius; 20 |
| 50% | 60 |
| 60% | 50 |
“60”
Common Questions About Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint?
The VA rates Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint under Diagnostic Code 5209 at 20%, 50%, 60%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Joint fracture, with marked cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity or with ununited fracture of head of radius; 20. The maximum 60% rating requires: 50.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint?
The VA rates Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5209, 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 20% and a 60% rating for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint?
A 20% rating requires: Joint fracture, with marked cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity or with ununited fracture of head of radius; 20. A 60% rating requires: 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, other impairment of Flail joint qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Elbow, other impairment of Flail 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, other impairment of Flail joint?
The key evidence for Elbow, other impairment of Flail 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, other impairment of Flail joint?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5209 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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