How VA rates thigh condition
VA rates thigh extension and impairment under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DCs 5251 and 5253. Distinct thigh muscle injuries are evaluated under 38 CFR § 4.73, DCs 5313–5315, based on the affected posterior, anterior, or medial muscle group and injury severity.
Rating criteria from the tool data
| Rating | What VA looks for |
|---|---|
| 10% | DC 5251: thigh extension limited to 5° |
| 10/20% | DC 5253: rotation/adduction limitations are 10%; abduction lost beyond 10° is 20% |
| 0/10/30/40% | DCs 5313–5314: slight, moderate, moderately severe, or severe posterior/anterior thigh muscle injury |
| 0/10/20/30% | DC 5315: slight, moderate, moderately severe, or severe medial thigh muscle injury |
DBQ and symptom topics to review
Review these topics against your own records and symptoms. Do not exaggerate or minimize; describe functional impact accurately.
- Thigh extension limited to 5 degrees10%DC 5251
- Cannot toe-out more than 15 degrees with the affected leg10%DC 5253 rotation
- Cannot cross legs due to adduction limitation10%DC 5253 adduction
- Abduction motion lost beyond 10 degrees20%DC 5253
- Moderate injury of Muscle Group XIII, XIV, or XV10%DCs 5313–5315
- Severe injury of Muscle Group XIII or XIV40%DCs 5313–5314
What may happen in the exam room
- Goniometer measurement of extension, rotation, adduction, and abduction
- Strength testing of hamstrings, quadriceps, and adductors
- Inspection for tissue loss, scars, atrophy, or fascial defect
- Gait and repetitive-use testing
Measurements and findings to understand
- Whether the examiner is measuring joint motion or a muscle-group injury
- Strength compared with the opposite side
- Fatigue, weakness, and loss after repetition
- Scar, tissue loss, or muscle atrophy
Questions the examiner may cover
- Was the original injury a strain, tear, penetrating wound, or surgery?
- Which movements trigger weakness or pain?
- Does the thigh give way after repetition?
- Is the limitation at the hip joint, in the muscle, or both?
Functional-impact language to think through
Use plain, truthful wording that matches your records and daily limitations. These examples are prompts for accuracy, not scripts.
- Describe loss of power, endurance, or control after repeated use.
- Explain difficulty climbing, rising, squatting, or controlling the leg.
- Separate joint pain from muscle weakness when you can.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating every thigh complaint as a hip-joint rating
- Omitting scars or tissue loss from a muscle injury
- Ignoring fatigability after repetition
Evidence to organize before the exam
- Hip and Thigh Conditions DBQ
- Muscle Injuries DBQ when applicable
- Imaging, operative records, and therapy strength testing
- Photos of scars or atrophy
Preparation notes
- Ask which DBQ and body structure the examiner is evaluating.
- Do not force motion or strength beyond the point symptoms begin.
DeLuca and flare-up notes
Flare and repetition: For motion loss, 38 CFR §§ 4.40, 4.45, and 4.59 apply. Muscle injuries are separately characterized under 38 CFR §§ 4.55 and 4.56.
Official rating source
38 CFR 4.71a and 4.73, DCs 5251, 5253, 5313-5315. Checked 2026-09-04. Educational preparation only; not a personal rating.