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. The schedule lists limitation of abduction, adduction, and rotation of the thigh under DC 5253.
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.
DC 5252: Flexion limited to 10°
$795.84/mo
DC 5252: Flexion limited to 20°
$552.47/mo
DC 5252: Flexion limited to 30°
$356.66/mo
DC 5252: Flexion limited to 45° (no 60° row)
$180.42/mo
DC 5251: Extension limited to 5°
$180.42/mo
DC 5250: Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable ankylosis, the foot not reaching ground, crutches necessitated
$2,362.30/mo
DC 5250: Intermediate ankylosis
$1,808.45/mo
DC 5250: Favorable, in flexion at an angle between 20° and 40°, and slight adduction or abduction
$1,435.02/mo
Live 38 CFR § 4.71a (eCFR as of October 5, 2026; checked October 7, 2026). DC 5252 has no 60° row. Extension 5° is DC 5251, not 5252. DC 5250 is 90 / 70 / 60. Hip replacement residuals are on the DC 5054 catalog page, not summarized here. eCFR § 4.71a.
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes for hip conditions
Three Compensation Scenarios
Hip limitation only (30%)
Official DC 5252: flexion limited to 20° = 30%.
Single condition
$552.47/mo
≈ $6,629.64/year (2026 veteran-alone rate, no dependents). $552.47 × 12. VA.gov rates effective December 1, 2025; checked October 7, 2026.
Bilateral hips (20% + 20%)
Combined + bilateral
40%
Monthly (veteran alone)
$795.84/mo
Official VA combined method: 20 then 20 = 36; +10% bilateral factor (3.6) = 39.6 → 40%. Veteran-alone 40% is $795.84 only (VA.gov combined ratings; veteran rates).
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
Commonly discussedDC 5237 • Pelvic tilt / guarding from hip pain
🦵 Knee condition
Commonly discussedDC 5260 • Limping loads the opposite or ipsilateral knee
🦶 Ankle strain
Sometimes discussedDC 5271 • Altered stance and push-off
🦴 Opposite hip
Commonly discussedDC 5252 • Compensatory overuse
🧠 Depression
Sometimes discussedDC 9434 • Chronic pain and mobility loss
🦴 SI joint / sacroiliac
Sometimes discussedDC 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
Official DC 5252 / 5251 steps
DC 5252: 45° = 10%, 30° = 20%, 20° = 30%, 10° = 40%. DC 5251 extension limited to 5° is 10% only—not a 5252 row.
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 based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.