VASRD 5209 · Musculoskeletal System
Elbow, Other Impairment (Flail Joint) at 20% VA Disability Rating
Data last updated September 23, 2026
An old elbow fracture that left the forearm angled noticeably in or out at the elbow, or a radial head fracture that never united.
20% combined rating: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 20% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25.
The full 20% pay chart, with dependentsCombine this rating with others
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
Joint fracture, with marked cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity, or with an ununited fracture of the head of the radius - either extremity. The schedule assigns 20 percent in both the major and the minor column.
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation at a 20% combined rating. Additional compensation for dependents starts at a combined rating of 30% (38 U.S.C. § 1115), so below that the single rate applies whatever the household.
| Single (no dependents) | $356.66 |
Higher tier
50% Elbow, Other Impairment (Flail Joint)
$1,132.90 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Elbow, Other Impairment (Flail Joint)
How much does a 20% VA rating for Elbow, Other Impairment (Flail Joint) pay?
VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 20% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25. At a 20% combined rating, a single veteran receives $356.66 per month ($4,279.92/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. Additional compensation for dependents starts at a combined rating of 30% (38 U.S.C. § 1115), so below that the single rate applies whatever the household.
What does it take to get a 20% rating for Elbow, Other Impairment (Flail Joint)?
Joint fracture, with marked cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity, or with an ununited fracture of the head of the radius - either extremity. The schedule assigns 20 percent in both the major and the minor column.
What's the difference between 20% and 50% for Elbow, Other Impairment (Flail Joint)?
20%: Joint fracture, with marked cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity, or with an ununited fracture of the head of the radius - either extremity. The schedule assigns 20 percent in both the major and the minor column. 50%: Flail elbow joint - minor (non-dominant) extremity.
Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
Yes, up to 100%. A condition service-connected as secondary to Elbow, Other Impairment (Flail Joint) gets its own rating, which VA combines with your other ratings under 38 CFR 4.25, so your combined rating can end up higher than 20%.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a, Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5209)
- VA.gov, 2026 veteran disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025
Pay amounts on this page were last checked against VA.gov on September 22, 2026.
How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Elbow, Other Impairment (Flail Joint) are on the main condition page.
View full Elbow, Other Impairment (Flail Joint) guide
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