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VA rating schedule, diagnostic code 5054 (hip replacement/resurfacing); related hip/thigh codes 5250-5255
What it is and how VA recognizes it: The VA treats a "hip condition" as a musculoskeletal disability and rates it under 38 CFR 4.71a, in the part of the rating schedule called "The Hip and Thigh." This covers things like hip arthritis, limited or painful motion, fractures of the upper femur, a fused hip (ankylosis), and hip replacement. To be service-connected, a claim generally needs three things: a current diagnosed hip problem, an in-service injury, event, or disease, and a medical link ("nexus") connecting the two. A hip problem can also be "secondary" service connection when it is caused or worsened by another service-connected condition, such as an altered gait from a bad knee or back.
The diagnostic code and what drives a higher percentage: Hip disabilities are rated under several diagnostic codes (DCs), and in general the rating goes up as motion gets more limited or the joint becomes more damaged. Limitation of thigh/hip motion is rated under DC 5251 (limited extension, 10%), DC 5252 (limited flexion, 10% up to 40%), and DC 5253 (impairment of the thigh, 10% or 20%). A fused hip (ankylosis) under DC 5250 ranges from 60% to 90%, a flail (unstable) hip joint under DC 5254 is 80%, and impairment of the femur under DC 5255 ranges up to 80%. For a hip replacement or resurfacing, DC 5054 currently assigns a 100% rating for 4 months following implantation of the prosthesis or resurfacing; after that period the hip is rated on its residuals — 90% (prosthesis with painful motion or weakness requiring crutches), 70% (markedly severe residuals), 50% (moderately severe residuals), with a minimum of 30% for a total replacement. (Note: before February 7, 2021, that initial 100% period was 1 year; VA shortened it to 4 months for DCs 5054 and 5055, so claims today follow the 4-month rule.)
Presumptive / exposure pathway: A general hip injury does not have its own toxic-exposure presumption under programs like Agent Orange, burn pits, Camp Lejeune, or the PACT Act. However, arthritis — a common cause of hip disability — is listed as a "chronic disease" under 38 CFR 3.309(a). Under 38 CFR 3.307, a chronic disease like arthritis can be presumed to be related to service (without separately proving the nexus) if the veteran served 90 days or more and the arthritis appeared to at least a compensable (10%) degree within one year after separation. If that one-year window does not apply, the hip condition can still be pursued through direct service connection or as a secondary condition.
This is general educational information about how the VA's rules work — not legal advice, a prediction about any claim, or a VA decision; a denial is a starting point that can be appealed, and a veterans service officer or accredited representative can help with your specific situation.
Grounded in federal regulations and VA guidance, independently reviewed June 2026. Educational information, not legal advice or a VA determination.
Across 15,266 real Board appeals for Hip
A denial is often not the end either — remands (shown below) are sent back for more development and can still end in a grant. These are historical outcomes, not a prediction of your case.
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Among the appeals that were granted or partly granted, the most common ways Hip was linked to service:
In appeals where Hip was the only condition decided and the Board granted it, the rating most often assigned was:
These appeals involved a recognized exposure — which can mean the link to service is presumed, with no nexus to prove:
The Veteran's respiratory condition, headaches, and cardiovascular condition are granted as service-connected due to in-service exposure to contaminated water and other toxins.,The Veteran's left arm, knee, hip, wrist, and low back conditions are also granted as service-connected due to an in-service RTV accident.
The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, as secondary to tinnitus, is granted. The claims for service connection for hearing loss disability and a disability manifested by shortness of breath other than chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are denied. The claims for service connection for an intestinal disability (diverticulitis), fatigue, hypertension, neck disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, upper and lower back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right hip disability, left hip disability, right foot pain, left foot pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder are all denied.
The Board has granted service connection for right hip, left ankle, and right ankle conditions due to the Veteran's in-service injuries. The evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.
The Board has granted service connection for both a right hip disability and a left hip disability, finding that the Veteran's observable symptoms of pain and stiffness began during his active service and have persisted.
The Veteran's service connection claims for left elbow, hand, and knee conditions related to gout have been granted. The claim for a left hip condition has been denied due to lack of current disability evidence. Service connection for the left shoulder condition is also denied.
The Board has granted service connection for right hip and back disabilities, hypertension, prostate cancer, and chronic kidney disease on a secondary basis to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The evidence supports that these conditions are caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.
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