Chronic Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis)

DC 5019Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5019

Inflammation of the bursa on the outside of the hip (the trochanteric bursa), causing pain on the outer hip and thigh. Very common in veterans from running, rucking, and prolonged standing. The VA rates trochanteric bursitis based on limitation of motion of the hip.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition primarily based on range-of-motion measurements. During your C&P exam, the examiner will use a goniometer to measure how far you can move the affected joint. Pain, flare-ups, and repetitive-use limitations also factor into the final rating.

Diagnostic code

DC 5019

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5019. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have chronic trochanteric bursitis with hip flexion limited to 20 degrees. The condition severely limits your ability to walk, climb, and perform routine activities.

What the VA looks for

Hip flexion limited to 20 degrees
Severe functional impairment documented
Chronic inflammation refractory to conservative treatment
Corticosteroid injection history
Significant gait abnormality

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not specifying that the bursitis is trochanteric (hip) versus other locations — the VA rates bursitis based on the joint affected, so the examiner must document hip-specific limitation of motion.
⚠Not documenting pain with lying on the affected side — this is a hallmark symptom of trochanteric bursitis that affects sleep quality and should be reported.
⚠Not getting imaging when conservative treatment fails — MRI or ultrasound can confirm chronic bursitis and rule out other hip pathology that might warrant additional claims.
⚠Not claiming bilateral hip bursitis if both sides are affected — each hip should be evaluated and rated separately.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hip and Thigh Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Chronic Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5019

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have chronic trochanteric bursitis with hip flexion limited to 20 degrees. The condition severely limits your ability to walk, climb, and perform routine activities.

What the VA looks for

Hip flexion limited to 20 degrees
Severe functional impairment documented
Chronic inflammation refractory to conservative treatment
Corticosteroid injection history
Significant gait abnormality

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not specifying that the bursitis is trochanteric (hip) versus other locations — the VA rates bursitis based on the joint affected, so the examiner must document hip-specific limitation of motion.

⚠Not documenting pain with lying on the affected side — this is a hallmark symptom of trochanteric bursitis that affects sleep quality and should be reported.

⚠Not getting imaging when conservative treatment fails — MRI or ultrasound can confirm chronic bursitis and rule out other hip pathology that might warrant additional claims.

⚠Not claiming bilateral hip bursitis if both sides are affected — each hip should be evaluated and rated separately.