VA Diagnostic Code 5253Thigh, impairment of:
Rated from 10% to 20% under § 4.71a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 20%
Limitation of abduction of, motion lost beyond 10°
- 10%
Limitation of adduction of, cannot cross legs
- 10%
Limitation of rotation of, cannot toe-out more than 15°, affected leg
Thigh Impairment (VA Diagnostic Code 5253)
Understanding Impairment of the Thigh
Body System: Musculoskeletal System Regulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a — Diagnostic Code 5253
Impairment of the thigh refers to a loss of certain movements at the hip and thigh. The VA specifically evaluates three types of motion loss under this diagnostic code: abduction (moving the leg away from the body's midline), adduction (moving the leg toward or across the body's midline), and rotation (turning the leg outward). When one or more of these motions is limited, it can affect everyday activities and may qualify for a disability rating.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a percentage rating based on the type and degree of motion loss:
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 20% | Limitation of abduction, with motion lost beyond 10° |
| 10% | Limitation of adduction, where the person cannot cross their legs |
| 10% | Limitation of rotation, where the person cannot toe-out more than 15° on the affected leg |
What the VA Looks For
When rating impairment of the thigh, the VA reviews the specific movement that is limited and how restricted it is:
- Abduction (20%): The VA looks for whether motion is lost beyond 10° when moving the leg away from the body.
- Adduction (10%): The VA looks for whether you are unable to cross your legs.
- Rotation (10%): The VA looks for whether you are unable to toe-out (turn the foot outward) more than 15° on the affected leg.
Documentation of the affected motion and its degree of limitation helps the VA determine the appropriate rating level under Diagnostic Code 5253.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.71a, diagnostic code 5253. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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