Flail Hip Joint

DC 5254Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5254

A hip joint that has lost all structural integrity due to bone loss, failed joint replacement, severe trauma, or infection, resulting in a completely unstable and nonfunctional joint. The hip cannot bear weight or maintain position. This is one of the most severe musculoskeletal disabilities and receives a high fixed rating.

How the VA rates this condition

This condition has a fixed rating under VA regulations. Unlike most conditions, the rating does not vary based on severity. If the VA grants service connection, the rating percentage is set by regulation.

Diagnostic code

DC 5254

Rating range

80% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5254. 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 a flail hip joint — the hip is completely unstable with no structural support. The joint cannot bear weight, and you require crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair for mobility. This is the only rating level for flail hip joint.

What the VA looks for

Complete hip joint instability documented on examination
Inability to bear weight on the affected extremity
Imaging showing loss of joint structure or failed prosthesis
Dependence on crutches, walker, or wheelchair
Severe functional impairment of the lower extremity

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not requesting loss of use evaluation — a flail hip may qualify for loss of use of the extremity, which entitles you to special monthly compensation at a rate above the 80 percent schedular rating.
⚠Not documenting the cause — establish clearly whether the flail hip resulted from failed joint replacement, osteomyelitis, trauma, or another service-connected cause.
⚠Forgetting to claim secondary conditions — a flail hip requires compensatory use of the opposite leg, spine, and upper extremities, often causing bilateral conditions that should be claimed separately.

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…

Flail Hip Joint

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5254

Rating range

80% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Complete hip joint instability documented on examination
Inability to bear weight on the affected extremity
Imaging showing loss of joint structure or failed prosthesis
Dependence on crutches, walker, or wheelchair
Severe functional impairment of the lower extremity

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not requesting loss of use evaluation — a flail hip may qualify for loss of use of the extremity, which entitles you to special monthly compensation at a rate above the 80 percent schedular rating.

⚠Not documenting the cause — establish clearly whether the flail hip resulted from failed joint replacement, osteomyelitis, trauma, or another service-connected cause.

⚠Forgetting to claim secondary conditions — a flail hip requires compensatory use of the opposite leg, spine, and upper extremities, often causing bilateral conditions that should be claimed separately.