Thigh Impairment VA Disability Rating
Diagnostic Code 5253 · 38 CFR §4.71a
What Is It?
DC 5253 covers hip impairment involving rotation and adduction limitations that are not captured by the flexion or extension codes. This includes inability to cross your legs, difficulty rotating your leg inward or outward, and limited ability to move your leg toward the midline of your body. These movement restrictions commonly result from hip injuries, labral tears, arthritis, or surgical complications related to military service. While they may seem minor compared to flexion loss, they significantly affect how you walk, sit, and perform everyday movements.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Limitation of abduction where motion is lost beyond 10 degrees from the midline. |
| 10% | Limitation of rotation where you cannot toe-out more than 15 degrees with the affected leg, or limitation of adduction where you cannot cross your legs. |
Evidence Needed
- Range of motion measurements for rotation, adduction, and abduction
- Medical records documenting the hip condition causing the impairment
- Imaging of the hip joint showing structural issues
- Statements describing how these limitations affect walking and daily tasks
- Documentation of pain during specific movements
C&P Exam Tips
- Make sure the examiner tests rotation, adduction, and abduction separately from flexion and extension
- Demonstrate the inability to cross your legs if applicable
- Report difficulty with movements like getting in and out of a car or turning in bed
- Mention any pain or catching sensation during rotation movements
- Ask the examiner to document all planes of motion, not just flexion
How to File
File under DC 5253 when your hip impairment involves rotation or adduction limitations. Make sure your medical evidence includes specific measurements for these movements. If you also have flexion or extension limitations, those would be rated under DC 5252 or DC 5251 respectively.
Common Mistakes
Not having rotation and adduction tested separately during the exam Overlooking this code when the examiner only measures flexion and extension Failing to describe the practical impact of not being able to cross legs or rotate the hip Not considering whether a combined rating under multiple hip codes is more beneficial
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get separate ratings under DC 5252 and DC 5253?
VA generally avoids rating the same joint under multiple codes to prevent pyramiding. However, if different movements are affected and they cause distinct functional limitations, it is worth discussing with a veterans service organization whether separate ratings are possible in your case.
What does toe-out mean in this context?
Toe-out refers to rotating your foot and leg outward while keeping your knee straight. Normal toe-out is about 60 degrees. If you cannot rotate outward more than 15 degrees, you meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating.