VASRD 5206 · Musculoskeletal System

Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) VA Disability Rating

Difficulty bending the elbow due to injury or arthritis.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
50%Flexion limited to 45 degrees
40%Flexion limited to 55 degrees
30%Flexion limited to 70 degrees
20%Flexion limited to 90 degrees
10%Flexion limited to 100 degrees

How the VA Evaluates Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)

Rated based on how far you can bend your elbow (measured in degrees).

Approval rate

Moderate (50–60%)

Annual service-connected

12,000 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • ROM measurements
  • Orthopedic notes
  • VA C&P exam results

Strategy Tips

  • Show impact on tasks like lifting or writing
  • Include flare-up symptoms

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Not measuring motion multiple times
  • Ignoring pain at end range

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Not showing ROM limits over time

Onset Patterns

  • Common after elbow trauma or repetitive strain

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

Common questions about Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)

Is Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) under VASRD diagnostic code 5206 (Musculoskeletal System). Difficulty bending the elbow due to injury or arthritis.
What VA disability rating can I get for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)?
Possible VA ratings for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) are 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 50% — Flexion limited to 45 degrees; 40% — Flexion limited to 55 degrees; 30% — Flexion limited to 70 degrees.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)?
The average awarded rating for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) is 20%. Roughly 12,000 veterans are service-connected for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate (50–60%).
What evidence helps prove Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) claim includes: ROM measurements; Orthopedic notes; VA C&P exam results.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow): Not showing ROM limits over time.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) include: , . Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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