---
title: "DC 5253 - Thigh, impairment of:"
diagnostic_code: "5253"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5253-thigh-impairment-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:01:16.267083Z"
---

# DC 5253 - Thigh, impairment of:

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 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.

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a