Surgical replacement of the elbow joint with an artificial implant.
Medical records confirming that a total prosthetic replacement of the elbow joint was performed, along with the date of surgery and date of hospital discharge, are central to establishing the starting point for the 100% rating period.
After that first year, records from VA or private medical exams that document the range of motion in your elbow, the presence and severity of pain during movement, and any measurable weakness in the affected arm help support a rating at the higher chronic-residuals level. Imaging, surgical notes, and physical therapy records can also reflect how the joint is functioning.
For intermediate levels of residual disability rated by analogy to codes 5205 through 5208, exam findings that precisely describe the degrees of motion available at the elbow are key. Statements from you or people who know you that describe how pain or weakness in the affected arm limits work tasks or daily activities can help show the practical impact of those findings.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
