Diagnostic Code 5206: Elbow. Limitation of Flexion Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 0% to 50%
- Rating levels
- 6
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Elbow. Limitation of Flexion under diagnostic code 5206 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 5206 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Flexion limited to 110 degrees (major or minor arm) What raters look forforearm flexion limited to 110 degrees |
| 10% | Flexion limited to 100 degrees (major or minor arm) What raters look forforearm flexion limited to 100 degrees |
| 20% | Flexion limited to 90 degrees (major or minor arm); flexion limited to 70 degrees (minor arm) What raters look forforearm flexion limited to 90 degrees; forearm flexion limited to 70 degrees, minor arm |
| 30% | Flexion limited to 70 degrees (major arm); flexion limited to 55 degrees (minor arm) What raters look forforearm flexion limited to 70 degrees, major arm; forearm flexion limited to 55 degrees, minor arm |
| 40% | Flexion limited to 55 degrees (major arm); flexion limited to 45 degrees (minor arm) What raters look forforearm flexion limited to 55 degrees, major arm; forearm flexion limited to 45 degrees, minor arm |
| 50% | Flexion limited to 45 degrees (major arm) What raters look forforearm flexion limited to 45 degrees, major arm |
DC 5206 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 449 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 5206 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 18.3%, denied 68.4% and sent 13.4% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 5206 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
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 5206 specifically. The DC 5206 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5206?
Diagnostic code 5206 is the VA rating schedule entry for Elbow. Limitation of Flexion, 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 5206?
DC 5206 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5206 require?
The 50% rating for Elbow. Limitation of Flexion requires: Flexion limited to 45 degrees (major arm).
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 5206?
In 440 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 5206 from 2021 to 2026, 16.8% were granted, 69.5% denied and 13.6% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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