VASRD 5205 · Musculoskeletal System

Ankylosis of the Elbow at 50% VA Disability Rating

Either the unfavorable fusion on your non-dominant side, or an intermediate-angle fusion on your dominant side.

50%: single veteran, no dependents

$1,132.90

$13,594.80/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025

VA Rating Criteria for 50%

Unfavorable ankylosis, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation - minor (non-dominant) extremity; or intermediate ankylosis, at an angle of more than 90° or between 70° and 50° - major (dominant) extremity.

50% Pay by Household (2026)

Monthly compensation amounts for Ankylosis of the Elbow rated at 50%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.

Single (no dependents)$1,132.90
With spouse$1,241.90
With spouse + 1 child$1,322.90
With spouse + 2 children$1,376.90
Single + 1 child (no spouse)$1,205.90

Lower tier

40% Ankylosis of the Elbow

$795.84 /mo single

Higher tier

60% Ankylosis of the Elbow

$1,435.02 /mo single

Common questions about 50% for Ankylosis of the Elbow

How much does a 50% VA rating for Ankylosis of the Elbow pay?
A single veteran rated 50% for Ankylosis of the Elbow receives $1,132.90 per month ($13,594.80/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. With a spouse and one child, the monthly amount is $1,322.90.
What does it take to get a 50% rating for Ankylosis of the Elbow?
Unfavorable ankylosis, at an angle of less than 50° or with complete loss of supination or pronation - minor (non-dominant) extremity; or intermediate ankylosis, at an angle of more than 90° or between 70° and 50° - major (dominant) extremity.
What's the difference between 50% and 60% for Ankylosis of the Elbow?
50%: Either the unfavorable fusion on your non-dominant side, or an intermediate-angle fusion on your dominant side. 60%: Your dominant elbow is fused at less than 50 degrees, or the forearm cannot rotate at all.
Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 50%?
Yes. If a condition like Loss of hand function is service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Elbow, the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 50% alone.

Official sources

  1. 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5205)
  2. VA.gov — 2026 veteran disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025

Pay amounts on this page were last checked against VA.gov on August 16, 2026.

See all rating tiers and evidence guidance

Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Ankylosis of the Elbow are on the main condition page.

View full Ankylosis of the Elbow guide
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