How VA rates elbow condition
VA rates elbow ankylosis, flexion, extension, bone impairment, and supination/pronation under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DCs 5205–5213. Several percentages differ for the major/dominant and minor arm.
Plate I: elbow flexion 0–145°; forearm pronation 0–80°; supination 0–85°.
Rating criteria from the tool data
| Rating | What VA looks for |
|---|---|
| 0–50% | DC 5206: forearm flexion from 110° through 45°, with major/minor differences at higher levels |
| 10–50% | DC 5207: extension limited from 45° through 110° |
| 20% | DC 5208: flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45° |
| 10–40% | DC 5213: loss or limitation of supination/pronation |
| 30–60% | DC 5205: favorable through unfavorable elbow ankylosis, based on side |
DBQ and symptom topics to review
Review these topics against your own records and symptoms. Do not exaggerate or minimize; describe functional impact accurately.
- Forearm flexion limited to 100 degrees10%DC 5206
- Forearm flexion limited to 90 degrees20%DC 5206
- Forearm extension limited to 60 degrees10%DC 5207
- Flexion limited to 100 degrees and extension limited to 45 degrees20%DC 5208
- Supination limited to 30 degrees or less10%DC 5213
- Favorable elbow ankylosis, dominant arm40%DC 5205
What may happen in the exam room
- Goniometer flexion and extension
- Pronation and supination measurement
- Repetitive-use testing
- Strength, tenderness, instability, and scar assessment
Measurements and findings to understand
- Pain onset
- Post-repetition loss
- Dominant versus nondominant arm
- Whether finger movement is also impaired
Questions the examiner may cover
- Which arm is dominant?
- What lifting, carrying, pushing, or rotation is limited?
- Do symptoms radiate into the hand?
- How do repetitive tasks affect motion?
Functional-impact language to think through
Use plain, truthful wording that matches your records and daily limitations. These examples are prompts for accuracy, not scripts.
- Describe the angle or task where pain begins.
- Explain limits turning a doorknob, using tools, lifting, or carrying.
- Describe flare duration and recovery.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring pronation/supination limits
- Not identifying the dominant arm
- Combining nerve or finger symptoms without identifying them
Evidence to organize before the exam
- Elbow and Forearm Conditions DBQ
- Imaging and surgical records
- Therapy ROM/strength measurements
- Brace records
Preparation notes
- Let the goniometer capture the painful endpoint.
- Do not push through pain to improve the measurement.
DeLuca and flare-up notes
Functional loss: Explain painful motion, weakness, fatigue, and flare-related loss under 38 CFR §§ 4.40, 4.45, and 4.59.
Official rating source
38 CFR 4.71a, DCs 5205-5213. Checked 2026-09-04. Educational preparation only; not a personal rating.