The Hip and Thigh
Topics:
Hip and Thigh Overview
Hip and Thigh Ratings
Hip and Thigh Overview
The VA awards disability compensation for each Hip and Thigh condition that is service-connected. The DoD will also rate service-connected conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty. For Reservists, the condition must have occurred in or resulted from an injury in the Line of Duty to qualify.
The Musculoskeletal System is vast and complex, consisting of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones. Thus, a single injury to the hip and/or thigh can cause multiple issues. Because of this complexity, the VA simplified the rating system for musculoskeletal conditions to focus on the resulting disability from a condition or group of conditions existing in the same body part.
To honor the Pyramiding Principle, only a single rating can be given for conditions of the Hip and Thigh with a few exceptions. If a nerve condition also exists in the Hip and Thigh, then that can be rated separately under one of the Lower Nerve codes since the Nervous System is separate and distinct. Other exceptions, if any, are noted in specific rating codes found on the Hip and Thigh Condition Ratings page.
Muscles do have their own rating system (see the Buttock, Hip, and Thigh Muscles page), but cannot be rated in addition to another musculoskeletal rating for the Hip and Thigh since they often result in similar symptoms (limitation of motion, etc.).
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Hip and Thigh Ratings
The VASRD offers ratings for the following musculoskeletal conditions of Hip and Thigh:
- Loss of Use/Amputation of the Hip
- Hip Replacements
- Limitation of Motion of the Hip and Thigh
- Shortening of the Leg
- Too Much Motion or Dislocation
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
- Injuries to the Bones of the Hip and Thigh
- Injuries to the Pelvic Bones
In reality, the majority of Hip and Thigh conditions will be rated on limitation of motion since that is the most common symptom of these conditions that results in a measurable disability, but other rating options exist to rate the Hip and Thigh conditions that cause other forms of disability.
If a condition is not directly listed on the Hip and Thigh Condition Ratings page, it is rated under the code that best describes it or its dominant symptom (hint: the majority will be rated as limitation of motion).
In addition to or instead of the standard disability compensation for Hip and Thigh conditions, amputations or loss of use of the Hip and Thigh may also qualify for Special Monthly Compensation.
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FAQs
How will the VA rate my hip condition?
The VA uses the rules of the VASRD to rate hip conditions based on pain, limited motion or too much motion, damage to the bones, diseases like arthritis, etc. Check out our Hip and Thigh Conditions Ratings page for the exact codes and ratings.
How will the VA rate my thigh condition?
The VA uses the rules of the VASRD to rate thigh conditions based on pain, damage to the bones or muscles, and how it affects the hip and knee joints, etc. Check out our Hip and Thigh Conditions Ratings page for the exact codes and ratings.
Are my conditions eligible for a rating?
Your conditions are eligible to be rated by the VA if they are the result of your military service. You must be able to show proof of service-connection for each condition. For the DoD, they will rate your service-connected conditions as long as they also make you Unfit for Duty.
How do I apply to receive my ratings?
If you are still in the military, then you can request your military physician to refer you to the MEB and start the IDES process. If you are already a veteran, you can submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim.
If my claim is approved, what benefits will I receive?
If you are rated 20% or less from the DoD, then you will receive a single separation payment. If you are rated 30% or more, you will receive full retirement benefits. From the VA, you will receive a monthly payment as well as full medical care from the VA for the qualifying conditions.
How long does it take to receive my disability benefits?
Brand new claims usually take 3-6 months to process. Once processed, you will start receiving payments in 1-3 months.
How are the rating percentages assigned to my conditions?
The rules of the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) are used to assign rating percentages to conditions. The VASRD gives rating rules for conditions based on their symptoms, treatment options, and the resulting level of disability they cause.
My hip and thigh conditions have worsened. How do I increase my rating percentages?
If your conditions have worsened since you last applied and now qualify for a higher rating, you can submit a new claim, checking the box for an increased evaluation.
