Hip Limitation of Flexion

DC 5252Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5252

Limited ability to bend your hip (bring your thigh toward your chest). The VA rates hip flexion limitation based on how far you can flex your hip, measured in degrees. Normal flexion is 125 degrees.

Rating Levels

Your hip flexion is limited to 10 degrees. This is the maximum rating for limitation of hip flexion.

What the VA looks for

Hip flexion limited to 10 degrees
Near-total loss of hip flexion
Severe difficulty walking, sitting, or bending

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing that hip flexion (DC 5252) and hip extension (DC 5251) can be rated separately — if you have limitation in both directions, file for both.
⚠Not documenting pain on motion and flare-ups — DeLuca factors can push a borderline measurement to a higher rating level.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — hip problems commonly cause back pain, opposite knee issues, and altered gait patterns.
⚠Not requesting imaging (X-ray or MRI) to document the underlying cause — arthritis, labral tears, or avascular necrosis may support a stronger claim.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hip and Thigh Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…