Elbow replacement (prosthesis).
The VA rates Elbow replacement (prosthesis). under Diagnostic Code 5052 across 5 severity levels, from 20% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 5052 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Elbow replacement (prosthesis).?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Minimum evaluation; 30 |
| 30% | Minimum evaluation; 20 |
| 40% | With chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity; 50 |
| 50% | With chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity; 40 |
| 100% | For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis; 100 |
“With chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity; 50”
Common Questions About Elbow replacement (prosthesis). VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Elbow replacement (prosthesis).?
The VA rates Elbow replacement (prosthesis). under Diagnostic Code 5052 at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Minimum evaluation; 30. The maximum 100% rating requires: For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis; 100.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Elbow replacement (prosthesis).?
The VA rates Elbow replacement (prosthesis). under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5052, 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 100% rating for Elbow replacement (prosthesis).?
A 20% rating requires: Minimum evaluation; 30. A 100% rating requires: For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis; 100. 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 replacement (prosthesis). qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Elbow replacement (prosthesis). 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 replacement (prosthesis).?
The key evidence for Elbow replacement (prosthesis). 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 (prosthesis).?
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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