Hip Replacement Revision/Complications

DC 5054Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5054

Complications or revision surgery following a total hip replacement (arthroplasty), including implant loosening, infection, dislocation, fracture around the prosthesis, or the need for repeat surgery. The VA rates hip replacement residuals based on functional outcome after the initial one-year convalescent period at 100 percent.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 5054

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5054. 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 are within one year of hip replacement or revision surgery. The VA assigns an automatic 100 percent convalescent rating for one year following the implantation of a hip prosthesis.

What the VA looks for

Hip replacement or revision surgery within the past year
Surgical records with date of prosthesis implantation
Post-operative treatment and rehabilitation records
Documentation of convalescent period

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not tracking the one-year convalescent period — you are entitled to a 100 percent rating for one full year after hip replacement surgery. Make sure the effective date is set to the surgery date, not the claim date.
⚠Not documenting complications after the convalescent period — when the VA reduces from 100 percent after one year, make sure the subsequent rating accurately reflects your residual symptoms. If you still have significant pain and limitation, fight for the 50 or 70 percent rating.
⚠Not claiming revision surgery separately — each revision surgery restarts the one-year 100 percent convalescent period. If you have had multiple revisions, each one should trigger a new convalescent rating.
⚠Overlooking secondary conditions — hip replacement complications can cause compensatory problems in the opposite hip, knees, and lower back that should be claimed as secondary conditions.

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 Replacement Revision/Complications

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5054

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You are within one year of hip replacement or revision surgery. The VA assigns an automatic 100 percent convalescent rating for one year following the implantation of a hip prosthesis.

What the VA looks for

Hip replacement or revision surgery within the past year
Surgical records with date of prosthesis implantation
Post-operative treatment and rehabilitation records
Documentation of convalescent period

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not tracking the one-year convalescent period — you are entitled to a 100 percent rating for one full year after hip replacement surgery. Make sure the effective date is set to the surgery date, not the claim date.

⚠Not documenting complications after the convalescent period — when the VA reduces from 100 percent after one year, make sure the subsequent rating accurately reflects your residual symptoms. If you still have significant pain and limitation, fight for the 50 or 70 percent rating.

⚠Not claiming revision surgery separately — each revision surgery restarts the one-year 100 percent convalescent period. If you have had multiple revisions, each one should trigger a new convalescent rating.

⚠Overlooking secondary conditions — hip replacement complications can cause compensatory problems in the opposite hip, knees, and lower back that should be claimed as secondary conditions.