Education · 38 CFR § 4.71a · Bones, joints, and spine (musculoskeletal system) · not your rating · we do not file
Other impairment of elbow VA rating (DC 5209)
VA rates other impairment of elbow under diagnostic code 5209 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The rule book lists 20%, 50%, and 60%. Below: each level in plain English, then the exact words.
Rule-book name: Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint. Last checked against eCFR on 2026-10-10 (eCFR issue 2026-08-27). Official text: 38 CFR § 4.71a on eCFR.
Each rating level in plain English
- Major 60%, Minor 50%: Minor 50%, read the exact words below. We have not mapped this line to plain words, so we quote it rather than guess. The rule book prints different percents by column (Major, Minor), for example dominant ("major") and non-dominant ("minor") arm.
- Major 20%, Minor 20%: Minor 20%, the published words look at: how bad it is, shown by what it stops you from doing. The rule book prints different percents by column (Major, Minor), for example dominant ("major") and non-dominant ("minor") arm.
Plain words come from our reading aid for the published words. They never add a symptom. The quotes below are the rule.
Exact words in 38 CFR § 4.71a
Major 60%, Minor 50% · “Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint”
Major 20%, Minor 20% · “Joint fracture, with marked cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity or with ununited fracture of head of radius”
What records usually show this
VA reads these things from your records: service treatment records, VA and private treatment records, and the VA claim exam (C&P exam). The published words on this page talk about:
- How bad it is, shown by what it stops you from doing: usually found in treatment notes or the VA claim exam (C&P exam) report that describe it, when those exist.
Education only. This does not say you have any of these, and a record that mentions them does not decide a rating. Only write what is true for you. Evidence needed for your disability claim · VA claim exam (C&P exam)
Put your records next to these lines
Statement review checks your own statement against the published words for this code and points out what it does not cover yet. It does not write it for you. Ask My Records finds where your uploaded records mention these topics and shows the page number.
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Common questions
What percentages does the VA rating schedule list for Other impairment of elbow (DC 5209)?
38 CFR § 4.71a lists 20%, 50%, and 60% for diagnostic code 5209. VA decides which line fits from the evidence. This page is not your rating.
Where do these words come from?
They are quoted from the public eCFR copy of 38 CFR § 4.71a, last checked 2026-10-10. The official page is linked on this page so you can check every word.
Does this page tell me what my rating will be?
No. It shows what the published rule book says. It does not predict a rating, a decision, or a dollar amount, and it does not say you have this condition.
Who can file a VA claim for me for free?
Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) can prepare and file a claim with you at no cost. VA lists accredited representatives on VA.gov. We do not file.
This page quotes the public VA rule book. It is not your rating and not your pay. We do not say you have this condition. We do not file. You, or a free accredited representative, file with VA.
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