Hip
The VA evaluates hip disabilities based on limitation of motion, degenerative conditions, and functional impairment. Ratings depend on the diagnosed condition (e.g., arthritis, bursitis, fracture, replacement) and are assigned under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR § 4.71a).
A hip can have a rating for Flexion, Extension and Adduction.
If you have a total hip replacement, you can only have that rating, not the Flexion, Extension, or Adduction.
Please read the instructions and review the pictures, then proceed to the quiz questions.
The VA rating system determines the severity based on your Range of Motion on a “Flare-Up”. Consider a Flare-Up as the worst day in the last year.
Step 1. Helpful Videos
Please review the video’s that demonstrate the range of motion.
Lying on the floor with your leg straight (pointing to 3:00, lift your knee up towards your chest to 12:00. While raising your leg, how far can you lift your knee towards 12:00 without any pain?
Standing at attention (6:00) keep your leg straight and move it backwards about 12″-18”. Does this cause any pain or discomfort?
Standing at attention, cross your legs at your ankles. For your left hip, move your left foot outside your right foot. For your right hip, move your right foot outside your left foot. Does this cause any pain or discomfort?
Each hip can have 3 ratings – Flexion, Extension and Adduction.
Unless you have a Total Joint Replacement. The hip with the replacement can only have 1 rating.
Step 2
Review the Key Factors:
- Pain with movement
- Loss of range of motion
- Instability or weakness
- Impact on standing, walking, lifting
- Use of assistive devices (e.g., cane, walker)
Each hip can have a rating for Flexion, Extension, Adduction unless you have a Total Joint Replacement (TJR)
A Hip can have 3 ratings: Flexion, Extension, and Adduction, unless you have a Total Joint Replacement (TJR).
If you have a Total Joint Replacement (TJR) you can only have 1 rating.
Step 3:
Continue with the quiz for both the right and left hip. When completed, you will view the results of your quiz.