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🦴 MusculoskeletalUpper Extremity JointsDC 5155

Elbow Condition / Elbow Pain

Pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion in the elbow joint from injury, fracture, dislocation, arthritis, or overuse. Common in veterans due to physical training, load-bearing, falls, and repetitive upper-body demands. Rated based on limitation of elbow flexion under DC 5155. Note: if primary symptoms are nerve-related (tingling or numbness in ring/pinky fingers), also consider Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (DC 8516).

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VA Rating Tiers

40%
severe limitation
20%
marked limitation
10%
moderate limitation
0%
minimal limitation
0%
Meets minimum criteria

Rating Notes

  • ›Rated under DC 5155 (limitation of flexion of the elbow).
  • ›Normal elbow flexion is approximately 140°. Ratings are based on how much flexion is lost.
  • ›The dominant (major) arm rates higher than the non-dominant (minor) arm at each tier.
  • ›Limitation of extension is rated separately under DC 5156 if that is the primary deficit.
  • ›Arthritis demonstrated on X-ray may support a DC 5003 rating if motion-based rating is noncompensable.
  • ›Actual rating depends on goniometer measurements taken at the C&P exam.

Eligibility Basics

✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
  • •Elbow conditions are rated under DC 5155 based on limitation of flexion.
  • •Normal elbow flexion is approximately 140°. The rating tiers depend on how restricted flexion is.
  • •Ratings range from 10% to 50% depending on degrees of motion remaining — dominant (major) arm rates higher.
  • •If limitation of extension is the primary issue, DC 5156 may apply instead.
  • •Both elbows may be claimed — each is rated separately with different percentages for dominant vs. non-dominant.
  • •If nerve symptoms (numbness or tingling in ring or pinky fingers) are present, also consider Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (DC 8516).

Evidence to Gather

Service Records

  • •sick call or treatment records documenting elbow pain, fracture, or injury
  • •X-ray records of the elbow taken during service
  • •injury or accident reports for falls, blasts, or trauma to the elbow
  • •physical therapy records for elbow rehabilitation during service
  • •separation physical noting elbow limitation or injury history

Medical Evidence

  • •orthopedic evaluation with range of motion measurements of the elbow
  • •X-ray of the elbow (shows arthritis, old fractures, structural changes)
  • •MRI of the elbow (soft tissue, ligament, tendon, cartilage detail)
  • •physical therapy or occupational therapy records
  • •surgical records if elbow surgery was performed

Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)

  • •statement describing the in-service injury, activity, or cumulative wear that caused the elbow problem
  • •statement describing current elbow limitations and how they affect bending, lifting, and daily tasks
  • •buddy statement noting observed elbow injury or limitation during service

Diagnostic Tests

  • •X-ray of the elbow (AP and lateral views)
  • •MRI of the elbow (ligament and soft tissue detail)
  • •goniometer range of motion measurement (flexion and extension in degrees)
  • •grip and carry strength testing
  • •CT scan (for complex fractures or loose bodies)

C&P Exam Preparation

Exam type: Orthopedic / Upper Extremity (Elbow)

Be ready to describe

  • •which elbow is affected and whether it is your dominant arm
  • •how far you can bend and straighten the elbow
  • •pain with lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying
  • •the in-service event or gradual cause of the problem
  • •how the elbow limits your job and daily tasks

Prep notes

  • •Move through the full range of motion honestly — stop when it genuinely hurts.
  • •Describe your worst days, not just a good day.
  • •Bring X-ray or MRI results if you have them.
  • •If both elbows are affected, make sure both are evaluated.
  • •Mention whether elbow problems cause issues with specific job tasks — this supports functional impairment.

Quick Facts

Diagnostic Code
DC 5155
Category
Musculoskeletal
Subcategory
Upper Extremity Joints
Typical Claim Type
direct
Rating Range
0% – 40%

Also Known As

elbow painelbow injuryelbow limited motionelbow sprainelbow fractureelbow arthritiselbow stiffnesselbow surgeryolecranon bursitiselbow dislocationelbow strainmedial epicondylitisgolfer's elbowelbow tendinitiselbow weaknesselbow instabilitydistal humerus fracture

Related Conditions

Secondary to

cervical neck pain

Commonly leads to

cubital tunnel
📋

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