DC 5250Musculoskeletal SystemCriteria from 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5250

Hip ankylosis (fixed joint)

The VA rates Hip ankylosis (fixed joint) under Diagnostic Code 5250 across 2 severity levels, from 60% to 70%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together. There are 3 documented secondary conditions linked to Hip ankylosis (fixed joint).

Catalog name: Hip, ankylosis of.

View 3 secondary conditions for DC 5250

Rating schedule — DC 5250 at a glance

Minimum rating
60%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
70%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
2

60%, 70%

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Where this code is published

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
3

Mapped in our database

What are the VA rating criteria for Hip ankylosis (fixed joint)?

RatingCriteria
60%

Favorable, in flexion at an angle between 20° and 40°, and slight adduction or abduction

70%

Intermediate

“Intermediate”

Which conditions are commonly secondary to Hip ankylosis (fixed joint)?

View 3 secondary conditions linked to Hip ankylosis (fixed joint)

Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310

These diagnostic codes sit next to Hip ankylosis (fixed joint) in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.

  1. 5239Spondylolisthesis or segmental instabilityRated up to 100%
  2. 5240Ankylosing spondylitisRated up to 100%
  3. 5241Spinal fusionRated up to 100%
  4. 5243Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)Rated up to 100%
  5. 5244Traumatic paralysis, completeRated up to 60%
  6. 5251Thigh, limitation of extension ofRated up to 10%
  7. 5252Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip)Rated up to 40%
  8. 5253Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction)Rated up to 20%
  9. 5254Hip, flail jointRated up to 80%
  10. 5255Femur, impairment ofRated up to 80%
All 139 musculoskeletal conditions

The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.

Common Questions About Hip ankylosis (fixed joint) VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Hip ankylosis (fixed joint)?

The VA rates Hip ankylosis (fixed joint) under Diagnostic Code 5250 at 60%, 70%. The minimum 60% rating requires: Favorable, in flexion at an angle between 20° and 40°, and slight adduction or abduction. The maximum 70% rating requires: Intermediate.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Hip ankylosis (fixed joint)?

The VA rates Hip ankylosis (fixed joint) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5250, published in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 60% and a 70% rating for Hip ankylosis (fixed joint)?

A 60% rating requires: Favorable, in flexion at an angle between 20° and 40°, and slight adduction or abduction. A 70% rating requires: Intermediate. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Hip ankylosis (fixed joint) qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 70% rating for Hip ankylosis (fixed joint) alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Hip ankylosis (fixed joint)?

The key evidence for Hip ankylosis (fixed joint) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.

Which conditions are commonly secondary to Hip ankylosis (fixed joint)?

Hip ankylosis (fixed joint) is associated with 3 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.

What happens at the C&P exam for Hip ankylosis (fixed joint)?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5250 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.

Get a Personalized Rating Analysis

VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.

Discover Your Benefits