Independent Guidance For Veterans & FamiliesNot Affiliated With The VA

VA BENEFITS REFERENCE

DC 5052: Elbow Replacement (Prosthesis)

Read VA diagnostic code 5052 for Elbow replacement (prosthesis): published criteria, regulatory notes, related codes and official sources checked October 25, 2026.

Independent Education · Official Sources · Last Verified October 25, 2026

Published criteria from 38 CFR 4.71a, current through 2026-10-22. Historical decisions may require a different version. This reference does not diagnose a condition or determine an evaluation.

The Musculoskeletal System · All Diagnostic Codes

DC 5052: Elbow Replacement (Prosthesis)

Diagnostic code 5052 addresses Elbow replacement (prosthesis). Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.

Diagnostic Code 5052 - 38 CFR 4.71a
Rating
MajorMinor
5052 Elbow replacement (prosthesis).
Prosthetic replacement of the elbow joint:
For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis100100
With chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity5040
With intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion rate by analogy to diagnostic codes 5205 through 5208.
Minimum evaluation3020
1 Also entitled to special monthly compensation.

What The Criteria Measure

  • Does the decision identify diagnostic code 5052, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
  • If the table distinguishes sides, does the record identify the affected side and the dominant extremity?
  • Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?

Related Public DBQs

Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.

Regulatory Cross-References

Shared Rules And Regulatory Context

Context provisions do not create an additional evaluation automatically assigned to every condition.

Related Guides

Official Sources

Last verified 2026-10-25. Source publication or legal effective dates are shown separately where available.

Check The Source. Get Accredited Help.

Use this resource to understand published information. VA and the official decision control individual benefits.