Limited elbow bending and straightening
The VA rates Limited elbow bending and straightening under Diagnostic Code 5208, with separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm: 20% for the dominant arm and 20% for the non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition.
Catalog name: Forearm, flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45°.
Rating schedule · DC 5208 at a glance
- Dominant arm
- 20%
- Non-dominant arm
- 20%
- 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 Limited elbow bending and straightening?
DC 5208 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 5208
- Note: In all the forearm and wrist injuries, codes 5205 through 5213, multiple impaired finger movements due to tendon tie-up, muscle or nerve injury, are to be separately rated and combined not to exceed rating for loss of use of hand.
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Limited elbow bending and straightening 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.
- 5202Humerus, other impairment of
- 5203Clavicle or scapula, impairment of
- 5205Elbow, ankylosis of
- 5206Forearm, limitation of flexion of
- 5207Forearm, limitation of extension of
- 5209Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint
- 5210Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint
- 5211Ulna, impairment of
- 5212Radius, impairment of
- 5213Supination and pronation, impairment of
What to do with a Limited elbow bending and straightening rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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- 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.
Common Questions About Limited elbow bending and straightening VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Limited elbow bending and straightening?
Dominant arm: 20%; non-dominant arm: 20%, under DC 5208, 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 Limited elbow bending and straightening?
The VA rates Limited elbow bending and straightening under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5208, published in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
Can Limited elbow bending and straightening qualify for TDIU?
Using the dominant-arm maximum: DC 5208 publishes up to 20% for the dominant arm and up to 20% for the non-dominant arm. That is below the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. Combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Limited elbow bending and straightening?
The key evidence for Limited elbow bending and straightening 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 Limited elbow bending and straightening?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5208 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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