The Veteran's right elbow disability is currently evaluated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher evaluation based on current symptoms.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right elbow extension is normal (0 degrees), while flexion is limited to 130 degrees, representing a loss of 15 degrees from full range. The more accurate Diagnostic Code for this condition is DC 5206, which allows for a maximum evaluation of 20 percent when flexion is limited to 90 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Elbow Lateral Epicondylitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 21, 2012
- Citation
- 1206430
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1206430.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's right elbow lateral epicondylitis has been rated at 10 percent disabling since October 6, 2020. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to functional impairment during flares or with repetitive use.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are granted due to his service-connected PTSD, which is rated as 70 percent disabling since June 16, 2016. The additional disabilities do not meet the criteria for a single disability rated at 100%.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the increased level due to his need for regular aid and attendance as a result of service-connected TBI residuals, which would require hospitalization or institutional care if not provided by his wife.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is currently rated at 20 percent from February 16, 2004 to August 14, 2009 and will be increased to 20 percent from August 14, 2009 onward. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a right elbow disability, Bell's palsy, and TDIU.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.