Total Elbow Replacement (Arthroplasty)

DC 5052Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5052

A surgical procedure where the damaged elbow joint is replaced with an artificial joint. The VA provides a temporary 100 percent rating for one year after surgery, then re-evaluates based on chronic residuals such as pain, weakness, and limitation of motion.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 5052

Rating range

20% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5052. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have chronic residuals of your elbow replacement with severely painful motion or weakness. This is the highest schedular rating for prosthetic elbow replacement residuals.

What the VA looks for

Severely painful motion of the elbow
Marked weakness in the affected arm
Major functional impairment in daily activities
Inability to perform overhead work or carry objects
Prosthesis complications or loosening documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding the temporary 100 percent rating — you automatically receive a 100 percent rating for one year after your elbow replacement surgery. Make sure the effective date is correct on your rating decision so you receive the full year.
⚠Not preparing for the re-evaluation — after one year, the VA will re-evaluate your condition. Document all residual symptoms (pain, weakness, limited motion, difficulty with daily tasks) before this exam.
⚠Not reporting how the elbow replacement affects your dominant versus non-dominant arm — ratings can differ based on whether the affected arm is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — elbow replacement can cause compensatory overuse of the opposite arm, shoulder problems, or nerve issues that deserve separate claims.
⚠Not documenting grip strength and functional limitations — tell the examiner about specific activities you cannot do, such as turning doorknobs, lifting groceries, carrying objects, or performing your job duties.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Elbow and Forearm Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Total Elbow Replacement (Arthroplasty) or rated under the same body system.

Lumbar Strain (Low Back Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Cervical Strain (Neck Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Flexion

DC 5260·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Extension

DC 5261·Musculoskeletal

Knee Instability (Subluxation)

DC 5257·Musculoskeletal

Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain)

DC 5276·Musculoskeletal

Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

DC 5003·Musculoskeletal

Fibromyalgia

DC 5025·Musculoskeletal

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Total Elbow Replacement (Arthroplasty)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5052

Rating range

20% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have chronic residuals of your elbow replacement with severely painful motion or weakness. This is the highest schedular rating for prosthetic elbow replacement residuals.

What the VA looks for

Severely painful motion of the elbow
Marked weakness in the affected arm
Major functional impairment in daily activities
Inability to perform overhead work or carry objects
Prosthesis complications or loosening documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding the temporary 100 percent rating — you automatically receive a 100 percent rating for one year after your elbow replacement surgery. Make sure the effective date is correct on your rating decision so you receive the full year.

⚠Not preparing for the re-evaluation — after one year, the VA will re-evaluate your condition. Document all residual symptoms (pain, weakness, limited motion, difficulty with daily tasks) before this exam.

⚠Not reporting how the elbow replacement affects your dominant versus non-dominant arm — ratings can differ based on whether the affected arm is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — elbow replacement can cause compensatory overuse of the opposite arm, shoulder problems, or nerve issues that deserve separate claims.

⚠Not documenting grip strength and functional limitations — tell the examiner about specific activities you cannot do, such as turning doorknobs, lifting groceries, carrying objects, or performing your job duties.