Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction)
The VA rates Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction) under Diagnostic Code 5253 across 3 severity levels, from 0% to 20%. With a cap of 20%, most veterans pursue secondary conditions to increase their combined rating.
Rating schedule — DC 5253 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 20%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.71a, DC 5253
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Hip rotation or adduction not limited to a compensable degree. Note: Normal hip abduction is 0 to 45 degrees. Normal hip external rotation is 0 to 60 degrees. Normal hip internal rotation is 0 to 40 degrees. |
| 10% | Limitation of adduction of, cannot cross legs Note: Two separate 10% criteria exist: (1) rotation limited so cannot toe-out more than 15 degrees; (2) adduction limited so cannot cross legs. |
| 20% | Limitation of abduction of, motion lost beyond 10° Note: 20% is the maximum rating under DC 5253. |
“Limitation of adduction of, cannot cross legs”
Common Questions About Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction)?
The VA rates Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction) under Diagnostic Code 5253 at 0%, 10%, 20%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Hip rotation or adduction not limited to a compensable degree.. The maximum 20% rating requires: Limitation of abduction of, motion lost beyond 10°.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction)?
The VA rates Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5253, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5253. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 20% rating for Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction)?
A 0% rating requires: Hip rotation or adduction not limited to a compensable degree.. A 20% rating requires: Limitation of abduction of, motion lost beyond 10°. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction) qualify for TDIU?
Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction) maxes at 20%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction)?
The key evidence for Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction) 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.
What happens at the C&P exam for Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction)?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5253 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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