VASRD 5054 · Musculoskeletal System
Hip Replacement (Prosthetic) VA Disability Rating
Your hip joint has been replaced with a prosthesis, or resurfaced, and VA evaluates the result under diagnostic code 5054. The code covers both procedures, but its 30 percent minimum is for a total replacement only.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | For the first four months after your hip is replaced or resurfaced, this code pays 100 percent. |
| 90% | After the 100 percent period, 90 percent applies when the replaced hip has painful motion or weakness bad enough that you need crutches. |
| 70% | Markedly severe lasting weakness, pain, or loss of motion in the replaced hip. |
| 50% | Moderately severe lasting weakness, pain, or loss of motion in the replaced hip. |
| 30% | The lowest evaluation this code assigns, and only for a total hip replacement. |
How the VA Evaluates Hip Replacement (Prosthetic)
Diagnostic code 5054 covers hip resurfacing and prosthetic hip replacement. A 100 percent evaluation is assigned for 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing. After that, prosthetic replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum is evaluated on residuals: 90 percent following implantation of prosthesis with painful motion or weakness such as to require the use of crutches; 70 percent for markedly severe residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion following implantation of prosthesis; 50 percent for moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain or limitation of motion; and 30 percent as the minimum evaluation, total replacement only. The schedule's note to this code adds that at the conclusion of the 100 percent evaluation period, resurfacing is evaluated under diagnostic codes 5250 through 5255, and that there is no minimum evaluation for resurfacing.
Approval outlook
Moderate – highly dependent on surgical records and post-op limitations.
Veterans service-connected
~13,478 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~70%
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
- •Post-surgical operative reports
- •Orthopedic surgeon assessments
- •Physical therapy records showing limitations
Strategy Tips
- •Include physical therapy reports showing limitations
- •Have the record state plainly whether you require crutches, because that is the criterion the 90 percent evaluation turns on
- •If your hip was resurfaced rather than totally replaced, say so: the 30 percent minimum under this code is for total replacement only, and the schedule evaluates resurfacing under diagnostic codes 5250 through 5255 once the 100 percent period ends
- •Highlight how symptoms affect daily tasks
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Never recording crutch use one way or the other, which leaves the 90 percent criterion — painful motion or weakness such as to require the use of crutches — unaddressed
- •Failing to describe daily limitations clearly
- •Lack of documentation on assistive device use
- •No connection shown to service injury or arthritis
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Reading the 100 percent evaluation as a severity rating. Under this code 100 percent is assigned for 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing; severity after that is what the 90, 70, 50 and 30 percent evaluations describe.
- •Assuming all surgeries are automatically service-connected
- •Omitting post-surgery limitations or complications
Onset Patterns
- •Pain and stiffness prior to surgery
- •Improvement followed by residual symptoms post-surgery
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Hip Replacement (Prosthetic). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Hip Replacement (Prosthetic)
- Is Hip Replacement (Prosthetic) a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Hip Replacement (Prosthetic) under VASRD diagnostic code 5054 (Musculoskeletal System). Your hip joint has been replaced with a prosthesis, or resurfaced, and VA evaluates the result under diagnostic code 5054. The code covers both procedures, but its 30 percent minimum is for a total replacement onl…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Hip Replacement (Prosthetic)?
- Possible VA ratings for Hip Replacement (Prosthetic) are 100%, 90%, 70%, 50%, 30%. Examples: 100%: For the first four months after your hip is replaced or resurfaced, this code pays 100 percent.; 90%: After the 100 percent period, 90 percent applies when the replaced hip has painful motion or weakness bad enough that…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Hip Replacement (Prosthetic)?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Hip Replacement (Prosthetic) at around 70%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 13,478 veterans are service-connected for Hip Replacement (Prosthetic). Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – highly dependent on surgical records and post-op limi…
- What evidence helps prove Hip Replacement (Prosthetic) for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Hip Replacement (Prosthetic) claim includes: Post-surgical operative reports; Orthopedic surgeon assessments; Physical therapy records showing limitations.
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Hip Replacement (Prosthetic)?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Hip Replacement (Prosthetic): Reading the 100 percent evaluation as a severity rating. Under this code 100 percent is assigned for 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing; severity after that is what the 90, 70, 50 and 30 percent evaluations describe.; Assuming all…
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Hip Replacement (Prosthetic)?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Hip Replacement (Prosthetic) include: Sciatic Nerve Pain, Depression. 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 5054)
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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