VASRD 5250 · Musculoskeletal System
Hip, Ankylosis of VA Disability Rating
Stiffness or immobility of the hip joint due to abnormal fusion of the bones.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 90% | The hip is fused in a position so poor that the foot cannot reach the ground and crutches are needed to get around. |
| 70% | The hip is fused at an angle worse than the favorable position, but not so bad that the foot cannot reach the ground. |
| 60% | The hip is fused in a workable position — bent between 20 and 40 degrees, with only a slight inward or outward angle. |
How the VA Evaluates Hip, Ankylosis of
The rating turns on the angle and favorability of the hip's fixed position. The schedule provides three evaluations: 60 percent for a favorable fusion in flexion between 20° and 40° with slight adduction or abduction, 90 percent for an extremely unfavorable fusion in which the foot does not reach the ground and crutches are necessitated, and 70 percent for an intermediate position between those two. X-rays or CT confirming the fusion and its angle, plus an exam documenting the fixed position, are what place a case on that scale.
Approval outlook
Moderate (~45%) with imaging support.
Veterans service-connected
~6,200 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~60%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •A radiology report confirming the ankylosis and its specific angle.
- •Orthopedic exam findings documenting the joint's fixed position and its functional impact.
Strategy Tips
- •Include X-rays or CT scans clearly showing the fusion angle, since the specific degree and favorability of the position is what determines the rating tier.
- •Explain the effect on walking and sitting in detail, since this functional context helps connect the imaging findings to real-world severity.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Not specifying the type or angle of ankylosis, which is central to determining which rating tier applies.
- •Being mistaken for arthritis with limited motion rather than clearly documented true ankylosis (complete fusion).
Common Filing Mistakes
- •No imaging included, leaving the claim without confirmation of the fusion and its angle.
- •Lack of clear range-of-motion data to establish the current state of the joint.
Onset Patterns
- •Hip ankylosis typically results from a severe injury, advanced arthritis, or infection that led to the joint fusing in place, either naturally or surgically.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Hip, Ankylosis of. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Hip, Ankylosis of
- Is Hip, Ankylosis of a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Hip, Ankylosis of under VASRD diagnostic code 5250 (Musculoskeletal System). Stiffness or immobility of the hip joint due to abnormal fusion of the bones.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Hip, Ankylosis of?
- Possible VA ratings for Hip, Ankylosis of are 90%, 70%, 60%. Examples: 90%: The hip is fused in a position so poor that the foot cannot reach the ground and crutches are needed to get around.; 70%: The hip is fused at an angle worse than the favorable position, but not so bad that the foot cannot reach the ground.; 60…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Hip, Ankylosis of?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Hip, Ankylosis of at around 60%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 6,200 veterans are service-connected for Hip, Ankylosis of. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate (~45%) with imaging support.
- What evidence helps prove Hip, Ankylosis of for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Hip, Ankylosis of claim includes: A radiology report confirming the ankylosis and its specific angle.; Orthopedic exam findings documenting the joint's fixed position and its functional impact..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Hip, Ankylosis of?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Hip, Ankylosis of: No imaging included, leaving the claim without confirmation of the fusion and its angle.; Lack of clear range-of-motion data to establish the current state of the joint..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Hip, Ankylosis of?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Hip, Ankylosis of include: Knee Strain, Lower Back Pain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5250)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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