Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5252: Hip. Limitation of Flexion of Thigh Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 10% to 40%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Hip. Limitation of Flexion of Thigh under diagnostic code 5252 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5252 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Flexion limited to 45 degrees What raters look forlimited to 45 degrees |
| 20% | Flexion limited to 30 degrees What raters look forlimited to 30 degrees |
| 30% | Flexion limited to 20 degrees What raters look forlimited to 20 degrees |
| 40% | Flexion limited to 10 degrees What raters look forlimited to 10 degrees |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Hip Condition. The Hip Condition condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Hip Condition appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 305 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Hip Condition as the primary issue. The Hip Condition condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Hip Condition appeals generally rather than DC 5252 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5252?
Diagnostic code 5252 is the VA rating schedule entry for Hip. Limitation of Flexion of Thigh, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5252?
DC 5252 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5252 require?
The 40% rating for Hip. Limitation of Flexion of Thigh requires: Flexion limited to 10 degrees.