Hip and Thigh (DC 5250–5255)

Hip conditions are rated under different codes depending on whether the issue is ankylosis (fusion), limitation of extension vs. flexion specifically, impairment of abduction/adduction/rotation, or an impairment of the femur itself (fracture, malunion, nonunion).

Common Filing Mistake

VA General Counsel has held that DC 5251 (extension), 5252 (flexion), and 5253 (abduction/adduction/rotation) can be separately rated for the same hip when each movement is independently limited and documented, this does not violate the anti-pyramiding rule. A hip claimed generically as one impairment, instead of having each restricted movement specifically measured and claimed, can end up under-rated by missing ratings it was actually entitled to.

Diagnostic Codes

DC 5250Hip, ankylosis of
DC 5251Thigh, limitation of extension of
DC 5252Thigh, limitation of flexion of
DC 5253Thigh, impairment of (abduction, adduction, rotation)
DC 5254Hip, flail joint
DC 5255Femur, impairment of

Rating Criteria

Rating	Criteria
90%	DC 5250 — Ankylosis, unfavorable/extremely unfavorable: foot not reaching ground, crutches necessitated
70%	DC 5250 — Ankylosis, intermediate
60%	DC 5250 — Ankylosis, favorable: flexion angle between 20°–40°, slight adduction or abduction
40%	DC 5252 — Thigh flexion limited to 10°
30%	DC 5252 — Thigh flexion limited to 20°
20%	DC 5252 — Thigh flexion limited to 30°; or DC 5253 — limitation of abduction, motion lost beyond 10°
10%	DC 5252 — Thigh flexion limited to 45°; or DC 5251 — extension limited to 5°; or DC 5253 — limitation of adduction (cannot cross legs) or rotation (cannot toe-out more than 15°)
80%	DC 5254 — Flail hip joint; or DC 5255 — femur fracture with nonunion and loose motion
60%	DC 5255 — Femur fracture, nonunion without loose motion (weightbearing preserved with brace); or fracture of surgical neck with false joint
30 / 20 / 10%	DC 5255 — Femur malunion with marked / moderate / slight knee or hip disability

Special Rules

Ratings for DC 5251, 5252, and 5253 may be combined for the same hip when the specific movements they cover are each independently limited, subject to the amputation rule.
As with other joints, the painful motion rule (38 CFR § 4.59) can support a minimum compensable rating when pain during motion is documented, even without meeting a specific degree threshold.

Sourced from 38 CFR §§ 4.71a / 4.130. This is a reference aid, not a rating decision, your actual rating depends on the medical evidence in your specific case and your C&P exam findings. Rules can be amended, verify current text at eCFR.gov or with an accredited VSO before relying on this for a specific claim.