Other elbow impairment (flail joint)
The VA rates Other elbow impairment (flail joint) under Diagnostic Code 5209 across 3 severity levels, from 20% 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, other impairment of Flail joint.
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%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Other elbow impairment (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”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Other elbow impairment (flail 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.
- 5203Clavicle or scapula, impairment ofRated up to 20%
- 5205Elbow, ankylosis ofRated up to 60%
- 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%
- 5210Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false jointRated up to 50%
- 5211Ulna, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5212Radius, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5213Supination and pronation, impairment ofRated up to 40%
- 5214Wrist, ankylosis ofRated up to 50%
What to do with a Other elbow impairment (flail 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 Other elbow impairment (flail joint) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Other elbow impairment (flail joint)?
The VA rates Other elbow impairment (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 Other elbow impairment (flail joint)?
The VA rates Other elbow impairment (flail joint) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5209, 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 20% and a 60% rating for Other elbow impairment (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 Other elbow impairment (flail joint) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Other elbow impairment (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 Other elbow impairment (flail joint)?
The key evidence for Other elbow impairment (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 Other elbow impairment (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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