VASRD 5252 · Musculoskeletal System – Hip/Thigh

Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) VA Disability Rating

Hip flexion limitation makes it difficult to walk, sit, squat, or bend at the waist.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
40%The hip can only be bent about 10 degrees before motion stops.
30%The hip can only be bent about 20 degrees.
20%The hip can only be bent about 30 degrees.
10%The hip can only be bent about 45 degrees.

How the VA Evaluates Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip)

This code is rated purely on a measured angle: flexion of the thigh limited to 45° rates 10 percent, 30° rates 20 percent, 20° rates 30 percent, and 10° rates 40 percent. The measurement is taken with a goniometer during a Compensation & Pension or orthopedic exam, so the exam that produces the number is effectively the claim.

Approval outlook

Moderate – higher with confirmed ROM loss and functional complaints.

Veterans service-connected

~8,800 veterans

Typical rating awarded

~10%

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

  • VA C&P ROM measurements
  • Physical therapy notes showing mobility issues
  • X-rays if degenerative disease suspected

Strategy Tips

  • Submit goniometer-based ROM readings
  • Describe how hip limits daily tasks
  • Document treatment efforts (therapy, injections)

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Improper goniometer use during flexion testing
  • No pain documented during testing
  • ROM measured after warming up instead of at rest

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Claiming pain without measured motion loss
  • No imaging or therapy records included

Onset Patterns

  • Can result from arthritis, injury, or overuse
  • Symptoms worsen with age or activity

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

Common questions about Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip)

Is Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) under VASRD diagnostic code 5252 (Musculoskeletal System – Hip/Thigh). Hip flexion limitation makes it difficult to walk, sit, squat, or bend at the waist.
What VA disability rating can I get for Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip)?
Possible VA ratings for Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) are 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 40%: The hip can only be bent about 10 degrees before motion stops.; 30%: The hip can only be bent about 20 degrees.; 20%: The hip can only be bent about 30 degrees..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip)?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 8,800 veterans are service-connected for Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip). Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – higher with confirmed ROM loss…
What evidence helps prove Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) claim includes: VA C&P ROM measurements; Physical therapy notes showing mobility issues; X-rays if degenerative disease suspected.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip): Claiming pain without measured motion loss; No imaging or therapy records included.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) include: Knee Pain, Lower Back Pain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Official sources

  1. 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5252)

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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