Elbow and Forearm (DC 5205–5213)

Like the shoulder, elbow and forearm conditions are rated under different codes depending on the specific mechanical impairment: ankylosis, limitation of flexion vs. extension, nonunion/malunion of the radius or ulna specifically, or loss of supination/pronation.

Common Filing Mistake

Flexion and extension limitation are rated under separate diagnostic codes (5206 vs. 5207) with different degree thresholds, a claim describing only general "elbow pain" without specifying which motion is limited can be rated under the wrong one.

Diagnostic Codes

DC 5205Elbow, ankylosis of
DC 5206Forearm, limitation of flexion of
DC 5207Forearm, limitation of extension of
DC 5208Forearm, flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45°
DC 5209Elbow, other impairment of
DC 5210Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint
DC 5211Ulna, impairment of
DC 5212Radius, impairment of
DC 5213Supination and pronation, impairment of

Rating Criteria

Rating	Criteria
60 / 50%	DC 5205 — Ankylosis, unfavorable: angle less than 50°, or complete loss of supination/pronation
50 / 40%	DC 5205 — Ankylosis, intermediate: angle more than 90°, or between 70°–50°
40 / 30%	DC 5205 — Ankylosis, favorable: angle between 90°–70°
50 / 40%	DC 5206 — Flexion limited to 45°
20 / 20%	DC 5206 — Flexion limited to 90°
50 / 40%	DC 5207 — Extension limited to 110°
20 / 20%	DC 5207 — Extension limited to 75°
20 / 20%	DC 5208 — Flexion limited to 100° AND extension to 45° (combined)
60 / 50%	DC 5209 — Flail joint of elbow

Special Rules

Ratings listed as Major / Minor (dominant / non-dominant arm).
See the full regulation text for the complete set of flexion/extension degree thresholds (10° increments), and for radius/ulna nonunion and malunion criteria under DC 5210–5212.

Sourced from 38 CFR §§ 4.71a / 4.130. This is a reference aid, not a rating decision, your actual rating depends on the medical evidence in your specific case and your C&P exam findings. Rules can be amended, verify current text at eCFR.gov or with an accredited VSO before relying on this for a specific claim.