Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5252
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).
Altered gait after knee replacement can affect hips
Primary condition · VASRD 5059
Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)
Condition requiring full knee joint replacement due to injury or arthritis.
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.
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
60% Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) + 10% Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) = 64%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 60% and 10% combine to 64%, not 70%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Primary condition
Full Knee Replacement (Prosthesis) guide
Secondary condition
Full Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip) guide
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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