Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) VA Disability Rating

VA Rating Tiers

How the VA Evaluates Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)

Diagnostic code 5206 rates limitation of flexion of the forearm - how far the elbow will bend - and prints two columns, so the same measured angle pays differently on the dominant and the non-dominant side. Flexion limited to 45 degrees is 50 percent in the major (dominant) extremity and 40 percent in the minor (non-dominant) one; 55 degrees is 40 and 30; 70 degrees is 30 and 20; 90 degrees is 20 in both columns; 100 degrees is 10 in both; and 110 degrees is 0 percent in both, a row the schedule lists but does not compensate. The measured angle alone sets the evaluation under this code. Two neighbouring codes bound it: limitation of extension of the forearm is rated under diagnostic code 5207, and where flexion is limited to 100 degrees and extension to 45 degrees, diagnostic code 5208 assigns a flat 20 percent in both columns - more than the 10 percent this code alone assigns for flexion limited to 100 degrees. A note closing the forearm and wrist codes 5205 through 5213 adds that multiple impaired finger movements due to tendon tie-up, muscle or nerve injury are rated separately and combined, not to exceed the rating for loss of use of the hand.

Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.

Secondary Conditions

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

• Tendonitis

• Ulnar nerve issues

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%, 0%. Examples: 50%: Your dominant elbow bends only to 45 degrees.; 40%: Either a 45-degree bend limit on your non-dominant side, or a 55-degree limit on your dominant side.; 30%: Either a 55-degree bend limit on your non-dominant s…

What's the typical VA rating awarded for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)?

Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 12,000 veterans are service-connected for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow). Estimated approval outlook: Moderate (50–60%).

What evidence helps prove Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) for VA disability?

Strong evidence for a Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) claim includes: Range-of-motion (ROM) measurements specifically for elbow flexion.; Orthopedic notes documenting the injury and its effect on motion.; VA C&P exam results with a formal ROM measurement..

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, since a single measurement may not reflect the condition's typical severity..

What conditions are commonly secondary to Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)?

Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) include: Tendonitis, Ulnar nerve issues. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Official sources

1. 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5206)

Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.