Hip Labral Tear

DC 5252Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5252

A tear in the labrum, the ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket and helps hold the femoral head in place. Hip labral tears cause pain, clicking, and limited range of motion. The VA rates hip labral tears based on limitation of flexion of the thigh.

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 5252

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5252. 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 hip labral tear with limitation of thigh flexion to 10 degrees. The hip is nearly immobile in flexion, resulting in near-total loss of hip function and severe disability.

What the VA looks for

Near-total loss of hip flexion documented
Thigh flexion limited to 10 degrees or less
Severe structural damage on imaging
Wheelchair or significant assistive device dependence

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an MRI arthrogram to confirm the labral tear — standard MRI may miss labral tears, and the arthrogram with contrast is the gold standard for diagnosis.
⚠Not documenting clicking, catching, and locking sensations — these mechanical symptoms are hallmarks of labral tears and support the diagnosis.
⚠Not claiming limitation of other hip motions separately — abduction, adduction, and rotation limitations may warrant additional ratings under DC 5253.
⚠Failing to document how hip pain affects sitting tolerance — veterans with hip labral tears often cannot sit for extended periods, which is a significant occupational impairment.

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…

Hip Labral Tear

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5252

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have a hip labral tear with limitation of thigh flexion to 10 degrees. The hip is nearly immobile in flexion, resulting in near-total loss of hip function and severe disability.

What the VA looks for

Near-total loss of hip flexion documented
Thigh flexion limited to 10 degrees or less
Severe structural damage on imaging
Wheelchair or significant assistive device dependence

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an MRI arthrogram to confirm the labral tear — standard MRI may miss labral tears, and the arthrogram with contrast is the gold standard for diagnosis.

⚠Not documenting clicking, catching, and locking sensations — these mechanical symptoms are hallmarks of labral tears and support the diagnosis.

⚠Not claiming limitation of other hip motions separately — abduction, adduction, and rotation limitations may warrant additional ratings under DC 5253.

⚠Failing to document how hip pain affects sitting tolerance — veterans with hip labral tears often cannot sit for extended periods, which is a significant occupational impairment.