Femur, impairment of — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5255)

The VA rates Femur, impairment of under Diagnostic Code 5255 at the following tiers: 60%, 80%. The minimum 60% rating requires: With nonunion, without loose motion, weight bearing preserved with aid of brace. The maximum 80% rating requires: With nonunion, with loose motion (spiral or oblique fracture).

Diagnostic Code 5255 is the VA rating identifier for Femur, impairment of within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Femur, impairment of under DC 5255 is 80%. This tier requires: With nonunion, with loose motion (spiral or oblique fracture). Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Femur, impairment of alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Femur, impairment of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5255. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Femur, impairment of may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Femur, impairment of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.