VA Diagnostic Code 5255Femur, impairment of:

Femur Impairment (VA Diagnostic Code 5255)

Musculoskeletal System — 38 CFR § 4.71a

Understanding Femur Impairment

The femur is the long bone of the thigh, connecting the hip to the knee. Under VA Diagnostic Code 5255, "impairment of the femur" covers damage such as fractures and issues with how the bone heals. Two key terms the VA uses are:

• Malunion — the bone healed, but in an improper position or alignment.
• Nonunion — the bone did not properly heal back together, sometimes resulting in a "false joint" or in "loose motion" where the bone moves abnormally.

Because the femur connects to both the hip and the knee, impairment here can affect either or both joints, as well as your ability to bear weight.

Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns ratings based on the type and severity of the femur impairment:

Malunion of the Femur

For malunion of the femur, the VA does not assign a fixed percentage under this code alone. Instead, it evaluates the impairment under the diagnostic codes for the affected joint:

• Knee: codes 5256, 5257, 5260, or 5261
• Hip: codes 5250–5254

The VA applies whichever of these results in the highest evaluation.

What the VA Looks For

When rating femur impairment, the VA considers:

• The type of fracture — for example, a spiral or oblique fracture of the shaft or anatomical neck.
• How the bone healed — whether there is nonunion (bone did not heal), malunion (healed in poor position), or a false joint.
• Loose motion — whether abnormal movement is present at the fracture site.
• Weight-bearing ability — including whether weight bearing is preserved with the aid of a brace.
• The affected joint — for malunion, how the impairment impacts the hip or the knee.

Note: The 80% level is noted as entitling the veteran to special monthly compensation.

This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule and is provided for general educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of any rating outcome.