Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5209)
The VA rates Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5209, from 20% to 60% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 60% rating requires 50. Related conditions in the Musculoskeletal body system share this rating framework.
Also available: View full condition details for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint
Rating schedule — DC 5209 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
20%, 50%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint?
Joint fracture, with marked cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity or with ununited fracture of head of radius; 20
60
50
“60”
How does the VA rate Musculoskeletal conditions?
Common Questions About Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint?
The VA rates Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint under Diagnostic Code 5209 at the following tiers: 20%, 50%, 60%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Joint fracture, with marked cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity or with ununited fracture of head of radius; 20. The maximum 60% rating requires: 50.
What is Diagnostic Code 5209?
Diagnostic Code 5209 is the VA rating identifier for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint 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.
What is the highest rating for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint?
The highest schedular rating for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint under DC 5209 is 60%. This tier requires: 50. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint ratings?
Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5209. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint?
The key evidence for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint depends on the body system. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and documented flare-ups are the most impactful evidence. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.
Can Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint alone meets the single-disability TDIU threshold under 38 CFR § 4.16(a). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, compensation is paid at the 100% rate.
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