Diagnostic Code 5205: Elbow. Ankylosis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 30% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 4
- 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 |
|---|---|
| 30% | Favorable, at an angle between 90 degrees and 70 degrees (minor arm) What raters look forfavorable ankylosis, minor arm |
| 40% | Favorable, at an angle between 90 degrees and 70 degrees (major arm); intermediate, at an angle of more than 90 degrees, or between 70 degrees and 50 degrees (minor arm) What raters look forfavorable ankylosis, major arm; intermediate ankylosis, minor arm |
| 50% | Intermediate, at an angle of more than 90 degrees, or between 70 degrees and 50 degrees (major arm); unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50 degrees or with complete loss of supination or pronation (minor arm) What raters look forintermediate ankylosis, major arm; unfavorable ankylosis, minor arm |
| 60% | Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50 degrees or with complete loss of supination or pronation (major arm) What raters look forunfavorable ankylosis, major arm |
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 8,016 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Elbow, 2021 to 2026. The Elbow condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, 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 30%, 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, at an angle of less than 50 degrees or with complete loss of supination or pronation (major arm).
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