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.

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 →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Total Elbow Replacement (Arthroplasty)

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.