VASRD 5206 · Musculoskeletal System

Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) at 40% VA Disability Rating

Either a 45-degree bend limit on your non-dominant side, or a 55-degree limit on your dominant side.

40%: single veteran, no dependents

$795.84

$9,550.08/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025

VA Rating Criteria for 40%

Flexion limited to 45° - minor (non-dominant) extremity; or flexion limited to 55° - major (dominant) extremity.

40% Pay by Household (2026)

Monthly compensation amounts for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) rated at 40%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.

Single (no dependents)$795.84
With spouse$882.84
With spouse + 1 child$947.84
With spouse + 2 children$990.84
Single + 1 child (no spouse)$853.84

Lower tier

30% Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)

$552.47 /mo single

Higher tier

50% Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)

$1,132.90 /mo single

Common questions about 40% for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)

How much does a 40% VA rating for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) pay?
A single veteran rated 40% for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) receives $795.84 per month ($9,550.08/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 $947.84.
What does it take to get a 40% rating for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)?
Flexion limited to 45° - minor (non-dominant) extremity; or flexion limited to 55° - major (dominant) extremity.
What's the difference between 40% and 50% for Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow)?
40%: Either a 45-degree bend limit on your non-dominant side, or a 55-degree limit on your dominant side. 50%: Your dominant elbow bends only to 45 degrees.
Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 40%?
Yes. If a condition like Tendonitis is service-connected as secondary to Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow), the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 40% alone.

Official sources

  1. 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5206)
  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 Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) are on the main condition page.

View full Forearm, Flexion Limitation (Elbow) guide
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