VA Disability Rating for Forearm, flexion limited to 100° and extension to 45° (DC 5208)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Elbow and forearm

DC 5208 covers the combination of forearm flexion limited to 100 degrees and extension limited to 45 degrees, which is trouble both bending and straightening the elbow. The VA rates that combination at 20% for either arm (38 CFR 4.71a). Rotation of the forearm (supination and pronation) is a different code, DC 5213.

Rating levels

  • 20% — Your forearm movement is significantly limited in both directions - you can only bend it up to 100 degrees (normal is about 145 degrees) and you can only straighten it to 45 degrees (normal is 0 degrees or completely straight). This means you have trouble fully bending your arm to bring your hand close to your shoulder, and you cannot straighten your arm all the way out.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.

Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic (DC 5000)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5000.
Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive (DC 5001)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5001.
Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process (DC 5002)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5002.
Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic (DC 5003)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5003.
Arthritis, gonorrheal (DC 5004)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 5004.