Elbow, ankylosis of — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5205)

The VA rates Elbow, ankylosis of under Diagnostic Code 5205 at the following tiers: 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%. The minimum 30% rating requires: Favorable, at an angle between 90° and 70°; 40. The maximum 60% rating requires: Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation; 50.

Diagnostic Code 5205 is the VA rating identifier for Elbow, ankylosis of within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Elbow, ankylosis of under DC 5205 is 60%. This tier requires: Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation; 50. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Elbow, ankylosis of alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Elbow, ankylosis of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5205. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Elbow, ankylosis of may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Elbow, ankylosis of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.