DC 5054Musculoskeletal System38 CFR § 4.71a

Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)

The VA rates Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) under Diagnostic Code 5054 across 5 severity levels, from 30% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation. There are 1 documented secondary conditions linked to Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis).

View 1 secondary conditions for DC 5054

Rating schedule — DC 5054 at a glance

Minimum rating
30%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
100%

Full schedular disability

Rating tiers
5

30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, 100%

CFR section
§ 4.71a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Musculoskeletal System
Secondary conditions
1

Mapped in our database

What are the VA rating criteria for Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?

RatingCriteria
30%

Minimum evaluation, total replacement only

Note: Following implantation, a 100% rating is assigned for 1 year following prosthetic replacement. Thereafter, the minimum rating is 30%. Rate on residuals (chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness).

50%

Moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain or limitation of motion

70%

Markedly severe residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion following implantation of prosthesis

90%

Prosthetic replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum with chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity.

100%

For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing

Note: The 100% rating is assigned for 1 year following the date of implantation. After 1 year, the disability is rated on residuals, with a minimum 30% rating.

Markedly severe residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion following implantation of prosthesis

Which conditions are commonly secondary to Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?

View 1 secondary condition linked to Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)

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

Common Questions About Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?

The VA rates Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) under Diagnostic Code 5054 at 30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, 100%. The minimum 30% rating requires: Minimum evaluation, total replacement only. The maximum 100% rating requires: For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?

The VA rates Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5054, governed by 38 CFR 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 30% and a 100% rating for Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?

A 30% rating requires: Minimum evaluation, total replacement only. A 100% rating requires: For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing. 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, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 100% rating for Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) 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, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?

The key evidence for Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) 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, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?

Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) is associated with 1 documented secondary condition. 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, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)?

The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5054 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.

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