VA Diagnostic Code 5054Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)

Rated from 30% to 100% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.

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In short

Summary

Prosthetic replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum. Values shown are Minor-column ratings only in source.

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100%Maximum
For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing
90%
Following implantation of prosthesis with painful motion or weakness such as to require the use of crutches
70%
Markedly severe residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion following implantation of prosthesis
50%
Moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain or limitation of motion
30%
Minimum evaluation, total replacement only

From the schedule

Notes on this code

These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.

Note (1): When an evaluation is assigned for joint resurfacing or the prosthetic replacement of a joint under diagnostic codes 5051-5056, an additional rating under § 4.71a may not also be assigned for that joint, unless otherwise directed.
Note (2): Only evaluate a revision procedure in the same manner as the original procedure under diagnostic codes 5051-5056 if all the original components are replaced.
Note (3): The term âprosthetic replacementâ in diagnostic codes 5051-5053 and 5055-5056 means a total replacement of the named joint. However, in DC 5054, âprosthetic replacementâ means a total replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum.
Note (4): The 100 percent rating for 1 year following implantation of prosthesis will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
Note (5): The 100 percent rating for 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing under DCs 5054 and 5055 will commence after initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
Note (6): Special monthly compensation is assignable during the 100 percent rating period the earliest date permanent use of crutches is established.
Note: At the conclusion of the 100 percent evaluation period, evaluate resurfacing under diagnostic codes 5250 through 5255; there is no minimum evaluation for resurfacing.
1 Also entitled to special monthly compensation.

Hip Resurfacing or Replacement (Prosthesis) — VA Diagnostic Code 5054

Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a · Diagnostic Code 5054

Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 5054 covers the prosthetic replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum — the two main parts that make up the hip joint. Under this code, "prosthetic replacement" specifically means a total replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum.

The VA assigns a rating based on the surgery itself and the residual effects that remain afterward, such as weakness, pain, or limited movement in the hip.

Note on the ratings below: In the source, the values shown are Minor-column ratings only.

Available Rating Levels

Rating	What It Reflects
100%	For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing
90%	Following implantation of prosthesis with painful motion or weakness such as to require the use of crutches
70%	Markedly severe residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion following implantation of prosthesis
50%	Moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain or limitation of motion
30%	Minimum evaluation, total replacement only

What the VA Looks For

When rating under Diagnostic Code 5054, the VA considers:

The time period following surgery. A 100% rating applies for 4 months following implantation of the prosthesis or resurfacing.
The severity of residual symptoms — including weakness, pain, and limitation of motion in the hip after the procedure.
Whether crutches are required due to painful motion or weakness.
Whether the procedure was a total replacement, which is relevant to the minimum evaluation.

Important Notes to Keep in Mind

One rating per joint (Note 1): When an evaluation is assigned for joint resurfacing or prosthetic replacement of a joint under diagnostic codes 5051–5056, an additional rating under § 4.71a may not also be assigned for that joint, unless otherwise directed.
Revision procedures (Note 2): A revision procedure is only evaluated in the same manner as the original procedure under diagnostic codes 5051–5056 if all the original components are replaced.
Definition specific to DC 5054 (Note 3): In Diagnostic Code 5054, "prosthetic replacement" means a total replacement of the head of the femur or of the acetabulum.
Timing of the temporary 100% rating (Note 5): The 100% rating for 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing under DCs 5054 and 5055 commences after the initial grant of the 1-month total rating assigned under § 4.30 following hospital discharge.
Special monthly compensation (Note 6): Special monthly compensation is assignable during the 100% rating period as of the earliest date permanent use of crutches is established.
After the 100% period (resurfacing): At the conclusion of the 100% evaluation period, resurfacing is evaluated under diagnostic codes 5250 through 5255; there is no minimum evaluation for resurfacing.

This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 5054. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not predict or guarantee any individual rating outcome.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5054. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

View official source

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