How the VA Rates Elbow Conditions
The VA rates elbow disabilities based on limitation of motion, ankylosis, or specific conditions like lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Ratings typically fall between 10% and 40%, with the dominant arm rated one step higher than the non-dominant arm under the same level of impairment.
Key Diagnostic Codes for Elbow Disabilities
The VA uses two main groups of diagnostic codes for the elbow under 38 CFR Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities.
Major (Dominant) Arm — DC 5150–5155
- DC 5150: Favorable ankylosis of the elbow (arm fixed in the best functional position) — 20%
- DC 5151: Unfavorable ankylosis of the elbow (arm fixed in an extended or nonfunctional position) — 40%
- DC 5152: Limitation of flexion — see criteria below
- DC 5153: Limitation of extension — see criteria below
- DC 5154: Impairment of supination and pronation (forearm rotation) — rated by functional loss
- DC 5155: Other elbow impairment — rated by analogous code
Minor (Non-Dominant) Arm — DC 5205–5210
- DC 5205: Favorable ankylosis of the elbow, minor — 20%
- DC 5206: Unfavorable ankylosis, minor — 30%
- DC 5207: Limitation of flexion, minor — 10%–20%
- DC 5208: Limitation of flexion and extension, minor — 20%
- DC 5209: Other elbow impairment, minor — rated analogously
- DC 5210: Impairment of supination and pronation, minor
Limitation of Flexion and Extension Criteria
Most elbow claims are rated based on how far the joint can bend (flexion) or straighten (extension). Normal elbow flexion is 0 to 145 degrees; normal extension is back to 0 degrees.
| Condition | Major Arm % | Minor Arm % |
|---|---|---|
| Flexion limited to 100 degrees | 10% | 10% |
| Flexion limited to 90 degrees | 20% | 10% |
| Flexion limited to 60 degrees | 30% | 20% |
| Favorable ankylosis | 20% | 20% |
| Unfavorable ankylosis | 40% | 30% |
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) and Medial Epicondylitis
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are common overuse injuries rated under the elbow framework. The VA does not have dedicated diagnostic codes for these specific conditions, so they are rated under an analogous elbow code — most commonly DC 5152 or DC 5153 — based on the resulting limitation of motion.
- ICD-10 M77.1 (lateral epicondylitis) and M77.0 (medial epicondylitis) are the diagnostic codes used in medical records.
- The severity of motion limitation, not the diagnosis name, drives the percentage.
- If there is no measurable limitation of motion but pain is documented, the VA may assign a 0% or 10% rating under 38 CFR 4.59 (painful motion).
Dominant vs. Non-Dominant Arm
The VA always distinguishes the major (dominant) arm from the minor (non-dominant) arm. For a veteran who loses function of their dominant writing hand, the functional loss is greater than an equivalent loss in the non-dominant arm.
- Tell your C&P examiner which arm is dominant before the range-of-motion tests begin.
- If you are ambidextrous, the VA typically rates your writing arm as dominant.
- If you have elbow conditions in both arms, each is rated separately and the bilateral factor (10% of the combined value) is added.
In-Service Nexus: Repetitive Strain Evidence
For direct service connection, you need to link your current elbow condition to military service. Repetitive strain from an MOS is the most common nexus for elbow conditions.
- Infantry and combat arms: Carrying heavy weapons, rappelling, and combatives create chronic elbow stress.
- Mechanics and engineers: Repeated torquing of tools and vibration exposure directly cause lateral and medial epicondylitis.
- Clerks and computer operators: Repetitive keyboard and mouse use stresses the elbow extensors.
- A private physician's nexus letter stating the condition is "at least as likely as not" related to MOS duties is the most persuasive evidence.
C&P Exam Tips for Elbow Claims
At your Compensation and Pension exam, the examiner will measure your elbow's flexion, extension, pronation, and supination using a goniometer. Bring the following to your exam.
- A list of all activities the elbow pain prevents or limits: driving, lifting, typing, exercise.
- Report both active (you move it) and passive (examiner moves it) range-of-motion measurements if they differ.
- Describe flare-up frequency and duration — ratings are based on worst-day impairment, not average function.
- Mention any assistive devices or braces you wear regularly.
Use our VA disability rating calculator to estimate how an elbow rating combines with your other conditions. Browse all rated musculoskeletal conditions at VA disability.