How the VA Rates Hip Conditions

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5054 (hip replacement), 5250-5255 for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

1. 100%

   $3,938.58/month

   DC 5054: For 4 months following implantation of a hip prosthesis or resurfacing.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Hip replacement or resurfacing — first 4 months after surgery
2. 90%

   $2,362.30/month

   DC 5250: Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable ankylosis, the foot not reaching ground, crutches necessitated (also review for special monthly compensation). OR DC 5054: Following implantation of prosthesis with painful motion or weakness such as to require the use of crutches.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Hip fused so badly the foot does not reach the ground — crutches required
   • After hip replacement, pain or weakness requires crutches
3. 80%

   $2,102.15/month

   DC 5254: Flail hip joint. OR DC 5255: Fracture of shaft or anatomical neck of the femur with nonunion, with loose motion (spiral or oblique fracture).

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Flail (unstable, uncontrolled) hip joint
   • Femur nonunion with loose motion
4. 70%

   $1,808.45/month

   DC 5250: Intermediate ankylosis of the hip. OR DC 5054: Markedly severe residual weakness, pain, or limitation of motion following implantation of a hip prosthesis.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Hip fused in a position between favorable and unfavorable
   • Markedly severe residuals after hip replacement
5. 60%

   $1,435.02/month

   DC 5250: Favorable ankylosis of the hip, in flexion at an angle between 20° and 40°, and slight adduction or abduction. OR DC 5255: Fracture of shaft or anatomical neck of the femur with nonunion, without loose motion, weight bearing preserved with aid of brace; or fracture of surgical neck with false joint.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Hip fused in a favorable position (20°–40° of flexion)
   • No hip motion at all
6. 50%

   $1,132.90/month

   DC 5054: Moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain, or limitation of motion after hip replacement.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Moderately severe weakness, pain, or motion loss after hip replacement
7. 40%

   $795.84/month

   DC 5252: Thigh flexion limited to 10°.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Hip barely bends (10° or less)
8. 30%

   $552.47/month

   DC 5252: Thigh flexion limited to 20°. OR DC 5054: Minimum evaluation after total hip replacement (total replacement only — there is no minimum for resurfacing).

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Cannot bend the hip past 20°
   • Total hip replacement, after the 4-month 100% period
9. 20%

   $356.66/month

   DC 5252: Thigh flexion limited to 30°. OR DC 5253: Limitation of abduction, motion lost beyond 10°.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Cannot bend the hip past 30°
   • Cannot move the leg out to the side more than 10°
   • Antalgic gait
10. 10%

    $180.42/month

    DC 5252: Thigh flexion limited to 45°. OR DC 5251: Thigh extension limited to 5°. OR DC 5253: Limitation of adduction, cannot cross legs. OR DC 5253: Limitation of rotation, cannot toe-out more than 15° (affected leg).

    Examples from this level’s criteria

    • Hip stiffness and pain with walking
    • Cannot flex hip past 45 degrees (difficulty with stairs, bending)
    • Cannot cross legs, or cannot turn the foot outward more than 15°

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.