Hip Conditions
Diagnostic Codes 5250–5255 • 38 CFR § 4.71a
Separate ratings may apply for limitation of flexion (5252), limitation of extension (5251), ankylosis (5250), and other hip schedule entries—when distinct functional losses are documented.
DC range
5250–55
Hip Ratings at a Glance (2026 $, veteran alone)
Examples below use common DCs—5252 flexion, 5251 extension, 5250 ankylosis. Your decision may list different codes for flail joint, femur impairment, or replacement residuals.
Flexion ≤30° (5252) — severe limitation
$552.47/mo
Flexion ≤45° (5252) — moderate limitation
$356.66/mo
Flexion ≤60° or extension ≤5° / painful motion
$180.42/mo
Ankylosis (5250) — by position of fusion
$552.47–$3,938.58/mo
THR / resurfacing (5054) — convalescence & residuals
varies
Bilateral factor: When both hips have qualifying ratings, VA combines them then adds an extra proportional amount—often a meaningful bump to combined %.
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes for hip conditions
Three Compensation Scenarios
Hip limitation only (30%)
Severe flexion limitation under DC 5252 documented on C&P.
Single condition
$552.47/mo
≈ $6,288/year (2026 base rate, no deps)
Bilateral hips (20% + 20%)
Combined + bilateral
~43%
Approx. monthly
$795.84–900/mo
Exact % depends on VA combined math—use the calculator below.
Hip + PTSD
Typical combined
80%
Monthly total
$2,102.15/mo
VA combined math (30% + 70%) typically lands near 80% before rounding.
Evidence Requirements
Goniometer ROM (flexion & extension)
Hip flexion (5252) and extension (5251) are rated by degrees. Stop at pain; request flare-up assessment (DeLuca factors).
Imaging & surgical notes
MRI for labral tears, AVN, arthritis; operative reports for hip replacement or resurfacing (see also hip replacement guide).
Ankylosis documentation (5250)
If fused or fixed, position of ankylosis (favorable vs unfavorable) drives the percentage—orthopedic clarity matters.
Lay statements
Describe limp, stairs, inability to run/kneel, sleep disruption from hip pain, and impact on work.
Secondary nexus (if applicable)
Link hip to service-connected knee, ankle, foot, or spine when altered gait causes the hip condition.
Secondary Conditions
The hip anchors the lower body chain—common secondaries to claim when medically supported:
🦴 Lumbar strain
STRONGDC 5237 • Pelvic tilt / guarding from hip pain
🦵 Knee condition
STRONGDC 5260 • Limping loads the opposite or ipsilateral knee
🦶 Ankle strain
MODERATEDC 5271 • Altered stance and push-off
🦴 Opposite hip
STRONGDC 5252 • Compensatory overuse
🧠 Depression
MODERATEDC 9434 • Chronic pain and mobility loss
🦴 SI joint / sacroiliac
MODERATEDC 5236 • Abnormal gait stresses pelvis
Claim Timeline
Gather records
STRs, imaging, PT, goniometer notes from private ortho
File claim
List each hip separately if both affected; claim flexion & extension if applicable
C&P orthopedics
Confirm measurements—not estimates—for each plane of motion
Decision review
Check for stacked ratings and bilateral factor
Secondaries
File back, knee, depression, opposite hip as supported
What Gets You Higher Ratings
10% → 20–30%
Document flexion at or below 45°/30° or extension at or below 5° with goniometer readings—especially after repetition or flare.
Separate planes
If flexion and extension are both limited, you may qualify for separate evaluations when not pyramiding the same symptom twice.
Both hips + replacements
Bilateral factor and THR convalescence rules can dramatically change compensation—track surgery dates and residual ROM.
Common Mistakes
Eyeball ROM
Examiners must measure; push for accurate goniometer use on appeal if needed.
Ignoring painful motion
Painful motion can justify minimum compensable evaluation for the joint.
Missing secondaries
Back and knee claims are often winnable when gait changes are documented.
Forgetting bilateral factor
If both hips are SC, ensure the combined rating reflects it.
FAQs
▸ Can I get two ratings on one hip?
Sometimes—when the evidence shows distinct limitation of flexion and limitation of extension (or another non-pyramiding loss). Your code sheet should list each evaluated disability separately.
▸ How does total hip replacement affect ratings?
THR typically includes a period of temporary total rating after surgery, then rating of residuals under the prosthesis rules—see DC 5054 and your decision narrative.
▸ What are DeLuca factors?
Extra functional loss from pain, fatigue, weakness, or lack of endurance after use—the examiner should consider them when assigning ROM.
DC Reference & Tools
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.
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