Claiming Hip Condition / Hip Pain?
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VA Rating Tiers
30%
severe limitation
20%
marked limitation
10%
moderate limitation
0%
mild limitation
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›30%: Severe hip flexion limitation — flexion limited to 25° or less, significantly limiting ambulation. DC 5252.
- ›20%: Moderate hip flexion limitation — flexion limited to 45°. DC 5252.
- ›10%: Mild hip flexion limitation — flexion limited to 60°. DC 5252.
- ›0%: Motion limitation below rating threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›Rated under DC 5252 (thigh, limitation of flexion of).
- ›Normal hip flexion is approximately 125°. Rating tiers: 30% at 30°, 20% at 50°, 10% at 70°.
- ›Limitation of extension (DC 5253) or abduction may also apply as separate ratings.
- ›Hip replacement is rated under DC 5254 at a minimum of 30% one year post-surgery.
- ›Trochanteric bursitis is rated by analogy and typically yields 10–20% based on severity.
- ›Actual rating depends on goniometer measurements taken at the C&P exam.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Hip conditions are rated under DC 5252 based on limitation of flexion of the thigh.
- •Normal hip flexion is approximately 125°. Rating tiers: 30% (limited to 30°), 20% (limited to 50°), 10% (limited to 70°).
- •Limitation of extension (DC 5253) may also apply if extension is the primary deficit.
- •Both hips may be claimed — each is rated separately.
- •Hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) is rated under DC 5254 at 30% minimum after one year.
- •Bursitis (trochanteric bursitis) is typically rated by analogy to DC 5252 based on functional impact.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call or treatment records documenting hip pain, injury, or bursitis during service
- •X-ray of the hip taken during service
- •physical therapy records for hip rehabilitation
- •injury or accident reports for falls, jumps, or trauma to the hip during service
- •profile or limited duty documents due to hip condition
Medical Evidence
- •orthopedic evaluation with hip range of motion measurements
- •X-ray of the hip (shows arthritis, labral calcification, joint space narrowing)
- •MRI of the hip (labral tears, cartilage, avascular necrosis, bursitis)
- •surgical records if hip surgery or replacement was performed
- •physical therapy records documenting hip function
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing the in-service events (long marches, airborne operations, physical training) that caused or contributed to the hip problem
- •statement describing current hip pain and how far you can move the leg
- •statement describing how the hip limits walking, standing, climbing stairs, and other activities
Diagnostic Tests
- •X-ray of the hip (AP pelvis and lateral views)
- •MRI of the hip (labrum, cartilage, bursae, AVN)
- •goniometer range of motion measurement (flexion, extension, abduction, internal/external rotation)
- •bone scan (for stress fractures or AVN)
- •CT scan of the hip (for complex fractures or impingement anatomy)
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Orthopedic / Lower Extremity (Hip)
Be ready to describe
- •which hip is affected
- •the in-service event or accumulated wear that caused the hip problem
- •how far you can move the hip (bend, rotate, straighten)
- •pain with walking, sitting-to-standing, stairs, and lying on the affected side
- •how the hip limits your ability to work and perform daily tasks
Prep notes
- •Move through the full range of motion honestly — stop when it genuinely hurts.
- •Describe your worst days and how the hip behaves after activity.
- •Bring X-ray or MRI reports if you have them.
- •Mention if you use a cane or have altered your gait due to the hip.
- •If you have had a hip replacement, bring all surgical records.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 5252
- Category
- Musculoskeletal
- Subcategory
- Lower Extremity Joints
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 30%
Also Known As
hip painhip injuryhip arthritiship limited motionhip bursitiship labrum tearacetabular labrum tearhip labral tearFAIfemoroacetabular impingementhip replacementtotal hip arthroplastyTHAhip fracturefemoral neck fracturehip dislocationhip tendinitisIT band syndrometrochanteric bursitisgreater trochanteric pain syndromehip flexor strainhip stiffnesship degenerationhip surgeryavascular necrosis of the hipAVN hip
Related Conditions
Secondary to
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