★ Rating percentages & 2026 pay
VA Rating for Hip Conditions
38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Codes 5250–5255
Every percentage, and what it pays in 2026
| Rating | 2026 monthly | What that level generally requires |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180/mo | Limitation of flexion to 45° (DC 5252), extension limited to 5° (DC 5251), or X-ray evidence of arthritis with non-compensable limitation of motion (DC 5003). |
| 20% | $357/mo | Flexion limited to 30° (DC 5252), extension limited to 10° (DC 5251), or limitation of abduction to 10° / inability to cross legs (DC 5253). |
| 30% | $552/mo | Flexion limited to 20° (DC 5252), extension limited to 15° (DC 5251), or limitation of rotation causing toe-out beyond 15° on walking (DC 5253). |
| 40% | $796/mo | Flexion limited to 10° (DC 5252), extension limited to 20° (DC 5251), or favorable ankylosis of the hip in flexion at 20°–40° (DC 5250). |
| 60% | $1,435/mo | Unfavorable ankylosis in extreme flexion or extension, or with crutch or brace dependency (DC 5250); flail joint or nonunion with loose motion of the femur (DC 5255). |
| 70% | $1,808/mo | Unfavorable ankylosis of the hip with abduction of the leg necessitating crutches or a brace, in flexion or extension (DC 5250). |
| 90% | $2,362/mo | Unfavorable ankylosis in abduction with limited rotation, in extreme adduction, or with marked flexion deformity (DC 5250). |
| 100% | $3,939/mo | Hip resurfacing or replacement (DC 5054): 100% for one year post-surgery, then minimum 30% — 60% to 70% when residuals are markedly severe. |
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Codes 5250–5255. Rates are the published 2026 schedule (effective December 1, 2025, 2.8% COLA) and are shown for reference only — they are not an estimate of what any individual claim will pay. 10% and 20% pay a flat amount with no dependent increase.
What it adds to your existing rating
Combine it with your current rating
VA does not add ratings together — it combines them on a "whole person" basis under 38 CFR § 4.25, then rounds to the nearest 10.
Illustrative math on the published 2026 rate schedule for a veteran with no dependents. It is not a prediction, an estimate of your claim, or a statement that any rating is achievable.
Why a rating lands lower than the records suggest
- The exam captured a good day. Ratings are built from what the C&P examiner recorded. If flare-ups, fatigue, or repeated-use loss were not documented, they were not rated — 38 CFR § 4.40 and § 4.45 require them to be considered when they are in the record.
- The criteria were read as a checklist. Under 38 CFR § 4.7, when the disability picture more nearly approximates the higher level, the higher level applies. A partially-met tier is not automatically the lower tier.
- Secondary conditions were never claimed. A separately ratable secondary condition adds to the combined rating; it does not raise this diagnostic code's percentage.
- Pyramiding was applied too broadly. 38 CFR § 4.14 bars rating the same symptom twice — it does not bar rating distinct manifestations under different codes.
For the full evidence checklist, C&P exam detail, and secondary pathways, read the complete Hip Conditions claim guide.
Common questions
What is the highest VA rating for Hip Conditions?
The schedular maximum under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Codes 5250–5255 is 100%. A higher combined rating is possible when other service-connected conditions, secondary conditions, or an extraschedular or TDIU pathway apply, but those are separate determinations.
How much does a 100% rating pay in 2026?
$3,939 per month for a veteran with no dependents, under the rate schedule effective December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA). Ratings of 30% and above increase with dependents.
Can Hip Conditions be rated at 0%?
Yes. VA can grant service connection and assign a noncompensable (0%) rating when the condition is established but the findings do not meet the criteria for a compensable level. A 0% rating still preserves the effective date and can be increased later if the condition worsens.
What rating do I get after a hip replacement?
100% for one year, then a minimum 30% schedular rating with higher ratings if residuals are severe.
What is the normal range of motion chart for the hip?
38 CFR § 4.71a, Plate II lists normal hip flexion as 0–125°, abduction 0–45°, and adduction to 25°, with rotation typically measured to about 40–45° internally and externally. Hip diagnostic codes assign percentages based on how far measured motion falls short of these figures.
Think your Hip Conditions rating is too low?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. No fee unless past-due benefits are awarded on an appeal.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.