Limited elbow bending (flexion)
The VA rates Limited elbow bending (flexion) under Diagnostic Code 5206, with separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm: 0% to 50% for the dominant arm and 0% to 40% for the non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition.
Catalog name: Forearm, limitation of flexion of.
Rating schedule · DC 5206 at a glance
- Dominant arm
- 0% to 50%
- Non-dominant arm
- 0% to 40%
- 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 (flexion)?
DC 5206 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 5206
- 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 (flexion) 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.
- 5200Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of
- 5201Arm, limitation of motion of
- 5202Humerus, other impairment of
- 5203Clavicle or scapula, impairment of
- 5205Elbow, ankylosis of
- 5207Forearm, limitation of extension of
- 5208Forearm, flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45°
- 5209Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint
- 5210Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint
- 5211Ulna, impairment of
What to do with a Limited elbow bending (flexion) 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 (flexion) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Limited elbow bending (flexion)?
Dominant arm: 0% to 50%; non-dominant arm: 0% to 40%, under DC 5206, 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 (flexion)?
The VA rates Limited elbow bending (flexion) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5206, 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 0% and a 50% dominant-arm rating for Limited elbow bending (flexion)?
These figures are the dominant-arm column of DC 5206. A 0% dominant-arm rating is published for: Flexion limited to 110°. A 50% dominant-arm rating is published for: Flexion limited to 45°. The non-dominant arm is rated on its own column, 0% to 40%.
Can Limited elbow bending (flexion) qualify for TDIU?
Using the dominant-arm maximum: DC 5206 publishes up to 50% for the dominant arm and up to 40% for the non-dominant arm. That alone does not meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. With other service-connected disabilities combining to 70% or more, one of them at 40% or more, TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply, and extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Limited elbow bending (flexion)?
The key evidence for Limited elbow bending (flexion) 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 (flexion)?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5206 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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