Total Hip Replacement (Arthroplasty)

DC 5054Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5054

A surgical procedure where a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one. After a total hip replacement, the VA grants a temporary 100% rating for one year following surgery, then rates based on residual symptoms at a minimum of 30%.

Rating Levels

You have the most severe residuals after your hip replacement, with painful motion or weakness to the degree that you require assistive devices such as crutches for walking.

What the VA looks for

Painful motion requiring crutches or assistive device
Severe weakness in the affected extremity
Dependence on crutches or walker documented
Severe functional limitation in mobility

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing you automatically receive 100% for one year after surgery — make sure your effective date is set to the date of surgery, and schedule a follow-up C&P exam before the year ends.
⚠After the 100% year, the VA must rate you at least 30% — this is the minimum. If you have ongoing severe pain or weakness, push for a higher rating.
⚠Not documenting ongoing pain, weakness, and limitations after recovery — the difference between 30% and 90% depends on the severity of chronic residuals.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — hip replacement can cause altered gait leading to knee problems, back pain, and opposite hip issues.
⚠Not requesting a crutch or assistive device prescription if needed — the 90% rating specifically requires showing the need for crutches.

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…

Rating Levels

You have the most severe residuals after your hip replacement, with painful motion or weakness to the degree that you require assistive devices such as crutches for walking.

What the VA looks for

Painful motion requiring crutches or assistive device
Severe weakness in the affected extremity
Dependence on crutches or walker documented
Severe functional limitation in mobility

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing you automatically receive 100% for one year after surgery — make sure your effective date is set to the date of surgery, and schedule a follow-up C&P exam before the year ends.

⚠After the 100% year, the VA must rate you at least 30% — this is the minimum. If you have ongoing severe pain or weakness, push for a higher rating.

⚠Not documenting ongoing pain, weakness, and limitations after recovery — the difference between 30% and 90% depends on the severity of chronic residuals.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — hip replacement can cause altered gait leading to knee problems, back pain, and opposite hip issues.

⚠Not requesting a crutch or assistive device prescription if needed — the 90% rating specifically requires showing the need for crutches.