VA Disability Rating for Hip Conditions: Complete Guide to Getting Your Claim Approved

Bottom Line Up Front

Hip conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5250-5255 with ratings from 0% to 90% depending on severity. Most veterans receive 10-30% for limitation of motion or arthritis. Hip conditions are commonly claimed as secondary to back, knee, or ankle conditions due to altered gait. Each hip is rated separately. Hip replacement (arthroplasty) automatically rates at minimum 30%. Claims typically take 3-6 months.

What Are Hip Conditions and How Does Military Service Cause Them?

Common hip conditions:

Osteoarthritis
Hip impingement (FAI)
Labral tears
Hip bursitis (trochanteric bursitis)
Hip strain
Avascular necrosis

Military causes:

Repetitive stress: Running, rucking, jumping
Direct trauma: Falls, vehicle accidents
Heavy loads: Weight carried affects hips
Airborne/parachute operations: Landing impacts
Altered gait: From knee, back, or ankle injuries

Secondary connections (common):

Back conditions causing altered gait → hip problems
Knee conditions causing gait changes → hip problems
Ankle/foot conditions → hip compensation

VA Rating Criteria

DC 5250 - Ankylosis of Hip

Rating	Criteria
60%	Favorable (flexion between 20°-40°, slight adduction/abduction)
70%	Intermediate
90%	Unfavorable (extremely unfavorable position)

DC 5251 - Limitation of Extension of Thigh

Rating	Criteria
10%	Extension limited to 5°

DC 5252 - Limitation of Flexion of Thigh

Rating	Criteria
0%	Flexion greater than 45°
10%	Flexion limited to 45°
20%	Flexion limited to 30°
30%	Flexion limited to 20°
40%	Flexion limited to 10°

Normal hip flexion: 0-125°

DC 5253 - Impairment of Thigh

Rating	Criteria
10%	Limitation of adduction (can't cross legs) OR limitation of rotation (can't toe-out more than 15°)
20%	Limitation of abduction (motion lost beyond 10°)

DC 5254 - Flail Joint

Rating	Criteria
80%	Hip flail joint

DC 5255 - Impairment of Femur

Rating	Criteria
10%	Malunion with slight hip disability
20%	Malunion with moderate hip disability
30%	Malunion with marked hip disability
60%	Fracture of femur neck with false joint
80%	Fracture of femur shaft/neck with nonunion and loose motion

Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)

Rating	Criteria
100%	For 1 year following implantation (temporary)
30%	Minimum rating thereafter
50%	Moderately severe residuals (pain, weakness, limitation)
70%	Markedly severe residuals (chronic severe pain, limited motion)
90%	Painful motion or weakness requiring crutches

Evidence You Need

Service Connection Evidence

Service treatment records showing hip complaints
Documentation of physical demands
Records of injuries
Evidence supporting secondary connection to other conditions

Current Diagnosis Evidence

Orthopedic evaluation
X-ray showing arthritis, degeneration
MRI showing labral tears, impingement
Physical examination findings

Severity Evidence

Range of motion measurements
Functional limitations documented
Use of assistive devices (cane, walker)
Surgical records

C&P Exam: What to Expect

The examiner will measure:

Flexion (bending hip, bringing knee to chest)
Extension (moving leg backward)
Abduction (moving leg outward)
Adduction (moving leg inward)
Rotation (internal and external)

What to tell them:

Where pain begins during movement
Functional limitations (can't climb stairs, sit for long)
Use of assistive devices
Flare-up frequency and severity

Secondary Conditions

Hip conditions commonly secondary to:

Lumbar spine conditions (altered gait)
Knee conditions (compensation)
Ankle/foot conditions (gait changes)

Hip conditions can cause:

Back pain (compensation)
Knee problems (opposite leg stress)
Depression (chronic pain)

Personal Statement Template

Personal Statement for Hip Condition

I, [Full Name], submit this statement for [left/right/bilateral] hip condition.

Service Connection: [Describe direct injury OR explain secondary connection to service-connected condition]

My hip condition is secondary to my service-connected [back/knee/ankle condition]. Due to [describe how other condition affects gait], I have developed hip problems.

Current Symptoms:

Pain: [location, severity, frequency]
Limitation: [describe what movements are difficult]
Stiffness: [when, duration]
Clicking/grinding: [if present]

Functional Impact:

Walking: [limitation]
Stairs: [difficulty]
Sitting: [duration before pain]
Sleep: [position difficulties]

Treatment:

[List medications, therapy, injections, surgery]

I certify these statements are true.

[Signature] [Date]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim hip problems secondary to my back condition?

Yes. This is very common. Altered gait from back problems causes compensatory stress on hips.

What if I had hip replacement?

You receive 100% for one year post-surgery, then minimum 30% thereafter based on residuals.

Can I get separate ratings for both hips?

Yes. Each hip is rated independently.

Resources

VA Forms:

This guide is for informational purposes only. Every claim is unique—consult with an accredited claims agent for personalized guidance.

Sources: VA Disability Compensation, 38 CFR Part 4, Veterans Benefits Administration