Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5252
Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) Secondary to Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) when it develops after Knee Replacement (Prosthesis).
Why Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) Is Linked to Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)
Altered gait
Primary condition · VASRD 5055
Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)
This code covers a total knee replacement, and unlike other joint conditions, it comes with an automatic 100% rating for the first year after surgery to account for the recovery period - after that year, the rating is re-evaluated based on how the knee actually functions long-term.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5252
Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip)
Hip flexion limitation makes it difficult to walk, sit, squat, or bend at the waist.
Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) — severity of Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
30% Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) + 10% Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) = 37%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 30% and 10% combine to 37%, not 40%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) Secondary Claim
- •VA C&P ROM measurements
- •Physical therapy notes showing mobility issues
- •X-rays if degenerative disease suspected
Common questions about Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) secondary to Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)
- Can Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) be service-connected as secondary to Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Altered gait You'll need a current Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Knee Replace…
- What VA rating can I get for Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) as a secondary condition?
- Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5252 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 30%, 20%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) itself, not on the severity of Knee Replacement (Prosth…
- How does a secondary Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 30% rating for Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) combined with a 10% rating for Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 37%, not 40%. Approving Limitation of Flexion of the Thi…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) as secondary to Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) diagnosis includes: VA C&P ROM measurements; Physical therapy notes showing mobility issues; X-rays if degenerative disease suspected. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating provider explaining how Knee Replacement (Pros…
Primary condition
Full Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) guide
Secondary condition
Full Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) and Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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