Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

DC 5024Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5024

Pain on the outside of the elbow caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. It is commonly called tennis elbow but often results from repetitive gripping, lifting, or tool use. The VA rates lateral epicondylitis by analogy to tenosynovitis, based on painful motion, X-ray findings, and functional limitation.

Rating Levels

Your lateral epicondylitis causes severe limitation of forearm motion and significant grip weakness. You have major difficulty with daily tasks that require gripping, lifting, or twisting your forearm.

What the VA looks for

Severe limitation of forearm motion
Significant grip weakness documented by dynamometer
Major functional impairment in daily activities
Chronic pain resistant to conservative treatment
Evidence of tendon degeneration on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting grip strength testing — ask for a dynamometer test during your C&P exam. Measurable grip weakness compared to your other hand is strong evidence of functional limitation.
⚠Not explaining how tennis elbow affects your work and daily life — the VA needs to understand specific activities you struggle with, such as opening jars, turning doorknobs, carrying bags, shaking hands, or using tools.
⚠Not reporting symptoms in your dominant arm — if your dominant arm is affected, the impact on your daily life is greater and may support a higher rating. Make sure the examiner documents which arm is dominant.
⚠Not connecting lateral epicondylitis to military service — repetitive gripping, tool use, weapon handling, vehicle operation, and manual labor during service are common causes. Document these activities.
⚠Not pursuing imaging studies — while X-rays may appear normal, an MRI or ultrasound can show tendon degeneration, partial tears, or calcification that supports your claim and may justify a higher rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Elbow and Forearm Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Severe limitation of forearm motion
Significant grip weakness documented by dynamometer
Major functional impairment in daily activities
Chronic pain resistant to conservative treatment
Evidence of tendon degeneration on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting grip strength testing — ask for a dynamometer test during your C&P exam. Measurable grip weakness compared to your other hand is strong evidence of functional limitation.

⚠Not explaining how tennis elbow affects your work and daily life — the VA needs to understand specific activities you struggle with, such as opening jars, turning doorknobs, carrying bags, shaking hands, or using tools.

⚠Not reporting symptoms in your dominant arm — if your dominant arm is affected, the impact on your daily life is greater and may support a higher rating. Make sure the examiner documents which arm is dominant.

⚠Not connecting lateral epicondylitis to military service — repetitive gripping, tool use, weapon handling, vehicle operation, and manual labor during service are common causes. Document these activities.

⚠Not pursuing imaging studies — while X-rays may appear normal, an MRI or ultrasound can show tendon degeneration, partial tears, or calcification that supports your claim and may justify a higher rating.