Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)
The VA rates Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) under Diagnostic Code 5054 across 5 severity levels, from 30% to 100%. At 100%, a veteran with no dependents receives $3,938.58 per month, tax-free (2026 rates); dependents add to that. There are 1 documented secondary conditions linked to Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty).
Rating schedule — DC 5054 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 30%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 1
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 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 Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)?
View 1 secondary condition linked to Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) 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.
- 5012Bones, neoplasm, malignant, primary or secondaryRated up to 100%
- 5025Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)Rated up to 40%
- 5051Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
- 5052Elbow replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
- 5053Wrist replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
- 5055Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)Rated up to 100%
- 5056Ankle replacement (prosthesis).Rated up to 100%
- 5131Index, long, ring and littleRated up to 60%
- 5132Thumb, index and longRated up to 60%
- 5133Thumb, index and ringRated up to 60%
Common Questions About Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)?
The VA rates Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) 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 Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)?
The VA rates Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) 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 Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)?
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 Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) 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 Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)?
The key evidence for Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) 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 Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)?
Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) 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 Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)?
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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