Elbow replacement
The VA rates Elbow replacement under Diagnostic Code 5052, with separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm: 30% to 100% for the dominant arm and 20% to 100% for the non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition.
Catalog name: Elbow replacement (prosthesis)..
Rating schedule · DC 5052 at a glance
- Dominant arm
- 30% to 100%
- Non-dominant arm
- 20% to 100%
- 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 replacement?
DC 5052 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 5052
- Note (1): When an evaluation is assigned for joint resurfacing or the prosthetic replacement of a joint under diagnostic codes 5051-5056, an additional rating under § 4.71a may not also be assigned for that joint, unless otherwise directed.
- Note (2): Only evaluate a revision procedure in the same manner as the original procedure under diagnostic codes 5051-5056 if all the original components are replaced.
- Note (3): The term “prosthetic replacement” in diagnostic codes 5051-5053 and 5055-5056 means a total replacement of the named joint. However, in DC 5054, “prosthetic replacement” means a total replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum.
Other notes printed in this table
These notes appear in the same table in 38 CFR, and their text does not name DC 5052.
- Note (4): The 100 percent rating for 1 year following implantation of prosthesis will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
- Note (5): The 100 percent rating for 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing under DCs 5054 and 5055 will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
- Note (6): Special monthly compensation is assignable during the 100 percent rating period the earliest date permanent use of crutches is established.
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Elbow replacement 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.
- 5009Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout)
- 5010Arthritis due to Trauma (Traumatic Arthritis)
- 5012Bones, neoplasm, malignant, primary or secondary
- 5025Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)
- 5051Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).
- 5053Wrist replacement (prosthesis).
- 5054Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)
- 5055Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)
- 5056Ankle replacement (prosthesis).
- 5131Index, long, ring and little
What to do with a Elbow replacement rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
On this site
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Common Questions About Elbow replacement VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Elbow replacement?
Dominant arm: 30% to 100%; non-dominant arm: 20% to 100%, under DC 5052, 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 replacement?
The VA rates Elbow replacement under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5052, 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 100% dominant-arm rating for Elbow replacement?
These figures are the dominant-arm column of DC 5052. A 30% dominant-arm rating is published for: Prosthetic replacement of the elbow joint: Minimum evaluation. A 100% dominant-arm rating is published for: Prosthetic replacement of the elbow joint: For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis. The non-dominant arm is rated on its own column, 20% to 100%.
Can Elbow replacement qualify for TDIU?
Using the dominant-arm maximum: DC 5052 publishes up to 100% for the dominant arm and up to 100% for the non-dominant arm. A 100% 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.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Elbow replacement?
The key evidence for Elbow replacement 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 replacement?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5052 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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