Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5205: Elbow. Ankylosis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 40% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 3
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Elbow. Ankylosis under diagnostic code 5205 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5205 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Favorable ankylosis at angle between 90-70 degrees (major) What raters look forfavorable angle 70-90 |
| 50% | Intermediate ankylosis at angle more than 90 degrees or between 70-50 degrees (major) What raters look forintermediate angle |
| 60% | Unfavorable ankylosis at angle of less than 50 degrees or with complete loss of supination/pronation (major) What raters look forunfavorable; less than 50 degrees |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Elbow. The Elbow condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Elbow appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 609 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Elbow as the primary issue. The Elbow condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Elbow appeals generally rather than DC 5205 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5205?
Diagnostic code 5205 is the VA rating schedule entry for Elbow. Ankylosis, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5205?
DC 5205 provides ratings of 40%, 50%, 60%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5205 require?
The 60% rating for Elbow. Ankylosis requires: Unfavorable ankylosis at angle of less than 50 degrees or with complete loss of supination/pronation (major).