Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Hip and thigh
Hip ankylosis means your hip joint has become completely stiff and fused, losing all ability to move normally. The VA rates this at three levels based on the position the hip is locked in. 90% covers extremely unfavorable ankylosis where the foot cannot reach the ground and crutches are required (also entitles you to Special Monthly Compensation). 70% covers intermediate positioning, stuck in a moderately functional position. 60% covers favorable positioning where the hip is bent forward between 20° and 40° with slight adduction or abduction. Higher ratings reflect positions that make the leg less usable for walking and weight-bearing.
Rating levels
- 90% — Your hip joint is completely fused in such a poor position that your foot cannot touch the ground when you try to walk, making it impossible to bear weight on that leg without using crutches. Ankylosis means the hip joint has no movement at all because the bones have grown together or become rigidly fixed. This level of hip fusion is so severe that normal walking is impossible and you must rely on crutches for mobility.
- 70% — Your hip joint is ankylosed, meaning it is fused and does not move. 'Intermediate' describes the position the hip is fixed in: worse than the favorable position (bent forward between 20 and 40 degrees with slight adduction or abduction), but not the extremely unfavorable position in which the foot cannot reach the ground and crutches are needed.
- 60% — Your hip joint is completely fused or locked in place (ankylosis), but it's stuck in a good position that's bent forward between 20 and 40 degrees (flexion) with your leg positioned slightly toward or away from your body's center line (adduction or abduction). This positioning allows you to maintain some function for walking and daily activities even though the joint cannot move.