VA Disability Rating for Hip Condition / Thigh Limitation
Limited thigh flexion rated 10/20/30/40%. Separate code for limited extension (5251). Bilateral factor applies.
Hip conditions are rated under several DCs. DC 5252 (limited flexion of the thigh) is the most common for service-connected hip claims. Impingement and labral tears are diagnosed under the broader framework and rated analogously.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Flexion limited to 45°. |
| 20% | $356.66 | Flexion limited to 30°. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Flexion limited to 20°. |
| 40% | $795.84 | Flexion limited to 10°. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 40%: $795.84/mo · $9,550/year, tax-free
How to get rated for hip condition / thigh limitation
- Goniometer measurement of hip flexion at C&P exam.
- MRI for labral tears or impingement.
- Document gait impact, pain on motion, and limitations on daily activities.
Common secondary conditions
- +Lumbar strain (from altered gait)
- +Knee (same side, from altered gait)
- +Opposite hip (overcompensation)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Airborne / paratrooper service: hard landings supporting hip claim.
- Heavy carrying MOS (11B, engineer): cumulative wear-and-tear theory.
Frequently asked
Is hip impingement (FAI) ratable?
Yes — rated analogously under DC 5252 by the limitation of motion it causes. Document labral tears on MRI.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.