Hip Disarticulation

DC 5160Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5160

Complete removal of the leg at the hip joint, including the entire femur. This is the highest level of lower extremity amputation and results in total loss of the leg. The VA assigns a fixed 90 percent schedular rating. Hip disarticulation qualifies for special monthly compensation and represents one of the most disabling amputations, severely limiting mobility even with advanced prosthetic technology.

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 5160

Rating range

90% – 90%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5160. 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 hip disarticulation — complete removal of the leg at the hip joint. The entire lower extremity has been removed, and you require a prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive devices for all mobility.

What the VA looks for

Surgical or trauma records documenting hip disarticulation
Complete loss of the lower extremity documented
Prosthetic evaluation and fitting records
Wheelchair and assistive device requirements documented
Severe mobility impairment and balance deficit documented
Special monthly compensation eligibility documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming special monthly compensation (SMC) — hip disarticulation qualifies for SMC-k at minimum, and higher SMC levels apply when combined with other disabilities or bilateral involvement.
⚠Not filing phantom limb pain as a separate secondary claim — chronic phantom leg pain, tingling, or burning is a neurological condition that should be claimed separately for its own compensable rating.
⚠Not documenting prosthetic fit issues — socket fit, skin breakdown, weight-bearing problems, and prosthetic suspension issues should all be documented as they support severity and may warrant additional ratings.
⚠Not documenting secondary conditions — hip disarticulation commonly causes compensatory low back pain, contralateral knee and hip problems, and upper extremity overuse injuries from crutch or wheelchair use. These should be claimed as secondary conditions.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Amputations

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Hip Disarticulation

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5160

Rating range

90% – 90%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Surgical or trauma records documenting hip disarticulation
Complete loss of the lower extremity documented
Prosthetic evaluation and fitting records
Wheelchair and assistive device requirements documented
Severe mobility impairment and balance deficit documented
Special monthly compensation eligibility documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming special monthly compensation (SMC) — hip disarticulation qualifies for SMC-k at minimum, and higher SMC levels apply when combined with other disabilities or bilateral involvement.

⚠Not filing phantom limb pain as a separate secondary claim — chronic phantom leg pain, tingling, or burning is a neurological condition that should be claimed separately for its own compensable rating.

⚠Not documenting prosthetic fit issues — socket fit, skin breakdown, weight-bearing problems, and prosthetic suspension issues should all be documented as they support severity and may warrant additional ratings.

⚠Not documenting secondary conditions — hip disarticulation commonly causes compensatory low back pain, contralateral knee and hip problems, and upper extremity overuse injuries from crutch or wheelchair use. These should be claimed as secondary conditions.