VA Diagnostic Code 5252Thigh, limitation of flexion of:
Rated from 10% to 40% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 40%
Flexion limited to 10°
- 30%
Flexion limited to 20°
- 20%
Flexion limited to 30°
- 10%
Flexion limited to 45°
Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Diagnostic Code 5252)
Understanding This Rating
Body system: Musculoskeletal System Regulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a Diagnostic Code: 5252
Diagnostic Code 5252 addresses limitation of flexion of the thigh — in other words, a reduced ability to bend the thigh forward at the hip. Flexion is measured in degrees, and the more restricted your range of motion, the higher the corresponding rating level.
This entry is part of the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities under the Musculoskeletal System.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability percentage based on how far the thigh can flex, measured in degrees. Under this diagnostic code, the rating levels are:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Flexion limited to 10° |
| 30% | Flexion limited to 20° |
| 20% | Flexion limited to 30° |
| 10% | Flexion limited to 45° |
A smaller degree of flexion reflects a greater limitation in movement and corresponds to a higher rating.
What the VA Looks For
When rating under Diagnostic Code 5252, the VA focuses on the degree to which flexion of the thigh is limited. The measured range of motion — expressed in degrees — is matched to the criteria in the table above to determine the applicable percentage.
If you believe this condition applies to you, having documentation of your measured range of motion can help clarify how your limitation aligns with these criteria.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5252. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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File under diagnostic code 5252 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Musculoskeletal System codes may cover your secondary conditions.
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