Rating Criteria by Level
Under 38 CFR 4.71a, the VA rates the hip and thigh primarily on limitation of flexion (DC 5252), with separate codes for extension, adduction, abduction, ankylosis, and femur impairment. The examiner measures how far the joint moves, then applies the painful motion rule for pain, weakness, and fatigue on repeated use.
Criteria: Hip flexion limited to 45 degrees, or extension limited to 5 degrees, or painful motion with objective findings (X-ray confirmed arthritis, tenderness, guarding). Limitation of abduction or rotation of the thigh also rates 10%.
This is the most common hip rating. Under the painful motion rule (DeLuca), a hip that hurts on movement is compensated at 10% even when the measured range of motion is close to normal. X-ray confirmed degenerative arthritis of the hip supports a 10% minimum for a major joint.
Most common rating: painful motion of a major joint qualifies
Criteria: Hip flexion limited to 30 degrees under DC 5252, or limitation of adduction such that the veteran cannot cross the legs under DC 5253.
At this level the loss of motion begins to interfere with daily activities: getting in and out of a car, climbing stairs, and putting on shoes and socks. The examiner measures flexion after repetitive use, because pain and fatigue can further reduce the functional range.
Criteria: Hip flexion limited to 20 degrees under DC 5252. The thigh cannot be raised far toward the torso, sharply limiting bending, squatting, and seated positions.
A 30% hip rating reflects significant functional loss. Veterans at this level often rely on assistive devices and modified movement patterns. Marked limitation frequently coincides with advanced arthritis, avascular necrosis, or a labral tear that has not yet been surgically corrected.
Criteria: Hip flexion limited to 10 degrees under DC 5252. This is the highest schedular rating for limitation of flexion alone before ankylosis or femur impairment codes apply.
Severe limitation means the hip barely bends. Standing, walking, and sitting are all affected, and the condition often limits the ability to work in physically demanding jobs. Veterans at 40% for a single hip who cannot maintain employment should review TDIU eligibility.
Criteria: Ankylosis (fusion) of the hip in a favorable position, in flexion at an angle between 20 and 40 degrees with slight adduction or abduction, under DC 5250.
Ankylosis means the joint no longer moves at all. Favorable ankylosis rates 60%; intermediate ankylosis rates 70%; and extremely unfavorable ankylosis rates 90%. A hip replacement (DC 5054) is rated 100% for the first year, then 30% to 90% based on residual pain and weakness.
How to Service-Connect a Hip Condition
Service connection requires three things: a current diagnosis, an in-service event or injury, and a medical nexus linking the two. Hip conditions are commonly connected in three ways:
Direct Service Connection
A hip injury, fracture, or the onset of hip pain is documented in your service treatment records. Rucking under heavy loads, parachute landings, and repetitive impact training are recognized in-service causes of hip degeneration.
Secondary to Knee or Back
A service-connected knee or back condition can alter your gait and overload the hip. A nexus opinion stating that the altered mechanics caused or aggravated your hip condition establishes secondary service connection.
Arthritis Within One Year
Degenerative arthritis of the hip that appears to a compensable degree within one year of separation can be presumptively service-connected as a chronic disease. An X-ray confirming arthritis is the key piece of evidence.
What Happens at Your C&P Exam
The VA will schedule a compensation and pension exam with a VA or contracted examiner. For a hip claim, the examiner will typically:
- Measure hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation with a goniometer
- Repeat the measurements after repetitive use to capture pain and fatigue
- Review X-rays or MRI for arthritis, labral tears, or avascular necrosis
- Note whether you use a cane, walker, or other assistive device
- Document flare-ups and how they further limit function
Describe your worst days honestly, including flare-ups. If pain, weakness, or fatigue reduces your usable range of motion beyond the resting measurement, the examiner must record it. Bring imaging reports and any private treatment records.
Secondary Conditions to a Hip Injury
Once a hip condition is service-connected, you can file secondary claims for conditions it caused or worsened. Each adds its own rating to your combined total.
Knee StrainAn altered gait to protect the hip overloads the knee. Rated 10-60% per knee.
Lumbar Spine StrainCompensating for hip pain shifts stress to the lower back. Rated 10-100%.
RadiculopathyNerve irritation from altered posture can radiate down the leg. Rated per extremity.
Depression / AnxietyChronic pain and lost mobility can trigger or worsen mood disorders. Rated 0-100% on the mental disorders scale.
Opposite HipOverusing the good hip to spare the injured one can degrade it over time. Rated as its own separate joint.
SourcesLast reviewed: July 2026
Hip VA Rating FAQ
What is the VA rating for hip pain?
Painful hip motion with objective findings, even without a large loss of range of motion, is rated 10% under diagnostic code 5252. This pays $180.42/month (veteran alone, 2026 rates). Ratings climb to 20%, 30%, and 40% as hip flexion becomes more limited.
How does the VA rate limitation of hip flexion?
Under DC 5252, hip flexion limited to 45 degrees rates 10%, flexion limited to 30 degrees rates 20%, flexion limited to 20 degrees rates 30%, and flexion limited to 10 degrees rates 40%. The examiner measures active range of motion with a goniometer.
What is the VA rating for a hip replacement?
A hip replacement (prosthesis) is rated 100% for the first year after surgery under DC 5054. After that, residual ratings run from a 30% minimum up to 90% depending on painful motion, weakness, and limited function. The VA rates the hip on whichever code gives the higher evaluation.
Can I get a separate VA rating for each hip?
Yes. Each hip is a separate joint and receives its own rating. Two service-connected hips are rated individually, then combined under VA math (they do not simply add). Bilateral hip conditions also qualify for the bilateral factor, which adds a small bonus before combining.
Does hip arthritis qualify for VA disability?
Yes. Degenerative arthritis of the hip confirmed by X-ray is rated on limitation of motion under DC 5003 and DC 5252. If motion loss is noncompensable, a 10% rating still applies for painful, X-ray confirmed arthritis of a major joint like the hip.
Can hip pain be rated secondary to a back or knee condition?
Yes. An altered gait from a service-connected knee or back condition can overload and damage the hip over time. A physician nexus opinion linking your service-connected condition to the hip establishes secondary service connection, and the hip then receives its own rating.