How the VA Rates Elbow & Forearm Conditions
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5206 (Flexion) / 5207 (Extension) — measured on the major (dominant) and minor (non-dominant) arm criteria a VA rater evaluates Elbow & Forearm Conditions against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5206 (Flexion) / 5207 (Extension) — measured on the major (dominant) and minor (non-dominant) arm
Elbow & Forearm Conditions · 6 levels
- 60%$1,435.02a month
- 50%$1,132.90a month
- 40%$795.84a month
- 30%$552.47a month
- 20%$356.66a month
- 10%$180.42a month
2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.
Key facts
- Regulation
- 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5206 (Flexion) / 5207 (Extension) — measured on the major (dominant) and minor (non-dominant) arm
- Diagnostic codes
- 5205, 5206, 5207, 5208, 5209, 5024
- Levels in the schedule
- 10% · 20% · 30% · 40% · 50% · 60%
- Top level (60%) pays
- $1,435.02/month2026, veteran alone
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5206 (Flexion) / 5207 (Extension) — measured on the major (dominant) and minor (non-dominant) arm for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
- 60%
$1,435.02/month
DC 5205: Unfavorable ankylosis of the elbow, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation (60% major / 50% minor).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Elbow fused at less than 50°, or complete loss of forearm rotation
- 50%
$1,132.90/month
DC 5206: Flexion limited to 45° (50% major / 40% minor). OR DC 5207: Extension limited to 110° (50% major / 40% minor). OR DC 5205: Intermediate ankylosis, at an angle of more than 90°, or between 70° and 50° (50% major / 40% minor). OR DC 5205: Unfavorable ankylosis on the MINOR arm (50%).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Elbow bends no further than 45°, or cannot straighten past 110°
- Elbow fused in an intermediate position
- 40%
$795.84/month
DC 5206: Flexion limited to 55° (40% major / 30% minor). OR DC 5206: Flexion limited to 45° on the MINOR arm (40%). OR DC 5207: Extension limited to 100° (40% major / 30% minor). OR DC 5207: Extension limited to 110° on the MINOR arm (40%). OR DC 5205: Favorable ankylosis, at an angle between 90° and 70° (40% major / 30% minor). OR DC 5205: Intermediate ankylosis on the MINOR arm (40%).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Elbow nearly fixed — minimal usable motion
- Cannot perform most overhead or reaching tasks
- 30%
$552.47/month
DC 5206: Flexion limited to 70° (30% major / 20% minor). OR DC 5206: Flexion limited to 55° on the MINOR arm (30%). OR DC 5207: Extension limited to 90° (30% major / 20% minor). OR DC 5207: Extension limited to 100° on the MINOR arm (30%). OR DC 5205: Favorable ankylosis (angle between 90° and 70°) on the MINOR arm (30%).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Severe restriction of elbow motion
- Cannot bring hand to mouth or shoulder reliably
- Significant weakness and loss of endurance
- 20%
$356.66/month
DC 5206: Forearm flexion limited to 90° (20% major / 20% minor). OR DC 5206: Flexion limited to 70° on the MINOR arm (20%). OR DC 5207: Extension limited to 75° (20% major / 20% minor). OR DC 5207: Extension limited to 90° on the MINOR arm (20%).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Marked loss of elbow bending or straightening
- Persistent weakness gripping objects
- Functional loss in reaching and carrying
- 10%
$180.42/month
DC 5206: Forearm flexion limited to 100° (10% major / 10% minor). OR DC 5207: Forearm extension limited to 45° or to 60° (10% major / 10% minor). OR painful or limited motion of an elbow joint with X-ray-confirmed arthritis (DC 5024/5003). Epicondylitis is most often rated here by limitation of motion. (Flexion limited to 110° is 0%.)
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Pain on gripping, lifting, or twisting the forearm
- Cannot fully bend or straighten the elbow
- Tenderness over the inner (medial) or outer (lateral) epicondyle
- Pain reproduced with resisted wrist extension/flexion
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
C&P exam tips for Elbow & Forearm Conditions
- 1What wins this rating: goniometer-measured range of motion (flexion and extension) documented at its worst, plus X-ray confirmation of arthritis if motion loss is mild — painful motion with arthritis supports at least 10%.
- 2Specify dominant vs. non-dominant arm — higher percentages apply to the dominant (major) arm.
- 3Ask the examiner to document additional loss after repetitive use and on flare-ups (DeLuca factors).
- 4For epicondylitis, describe pain with gripping and lifting, not just resting pain.
Common mistakes on Elbow & Forearm Conditions claims
- Performing the range-of-motion test at best effort instead of demonstrating typical functional limitation.
- Not having an X-ray on file when motion loss is mild — arthritis plus painful motion supports a 10% minimum.
- Failing to state which arm is dominant.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Elbow & Forearm Conditions?
Elbow & Forearm Conditions is rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5206 (Flexion) / 5207 (Extension) — measured on the major (dominant) and minor (non-dominant) arm — diagnostic codes 5205, 5206, 5207, 5208, 5209, 5024.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Elbow & Forearm Conditions?
60% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Elbow & Forearm Conditions. The criteria at that level describe: DC 5205: Unfavorable ankylosis of the elbow, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation (60% major / 50% minor).
How much does a 60% VA rating for Elbow & Forearm Conditions pay in 2026?
$1,435.02 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
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Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.