C&P Exam for Thigh, impairment of (DC 5253)

Diagnostic code: 5253Condition: Thigh, impairment ofRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71aDBQ: DBQ MUSC Hip and Thigh

Which form the examiner uses

For thigh, impairment of (DC 5253), the C&P examiner completes the following Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ):

DBQ MUSC Hip and Thigh (public PDF on VA.gov)

DBQs are Department of Veterans Affairs Form 21-0960 series documents. Public DBQs are hosted on benefits.va.gov. A handful are examiner-only and are not posted publicly.

What the examiner records

The fields below are reproduced from the DBQ form the examiner completes for this diagnostic code. This is the structural map of the form, showing what the examiner is asked to measure, observe, and record. It is a factual reproduction of the public DBQ, not advice on how to answer.

This DBQ evaluates hip and thigh conditions including range of motion, ankylosis, femur impairment, and surgical procedures.

How DC 5253 maps to this DBQ: for this diagnostic code specifically, the examiner typically completes sections I-IV, VIII, and XI-XIII of this form. Section III is the condition-specific section for this code. Sections V-VII and IX-X cover unrelated conditions on this DBQ and are skipped.

DIAGNOSIS (Section I)

List the claimed conditions that pertain to this questionnaire:
The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis associated with any claimed conditions listed above.
Osteoarthritis, hip — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Hip joint replacement — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Hip joint resurfacing — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Trochanteric pain syndrome (includes trochanteric bursitis) — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Femoral acetabular impingement syndrome (includes labral tears) — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Iliopsoas tendinitis — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Femoral neck stress fracture — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Avascular necrosis, hip — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Ankylosis of hip joint — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Arthritis, gonorrheal — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Arthritis, pneumococcic — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Arthritis, streptococcic — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Arthritis, syphilitic — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Arthritis, rheumatoid (multi-joints) — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Post-traumatic arthritis — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Arthritis, typhoid — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout) (specify) — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Osteoporosis, residuals of — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Osteomalacia, residuals of — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Bones, neoplasm, benign — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Osteitis deformans — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Gout — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Bursitis — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Myositis — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Heterotopic ossification — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Tendinopathy (select one if known): Tendinitis / Tendinosis / Tenosynovitis — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Inflammatory other types (specify) — Side affected: Right / Left / Both; ICD Code; Date of diagnosis
Other (specify) — Other diagnosis #1: Side affected, ICD Code, Date of diagnosis
Other diagnosis #2: Side affected, ICD Code, Date of diagnosis
Other diagnosis #3: Side affected, ICD Code, Date of diagnosis

MEDICAL HISTORY (Section II)

2A. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's hip or thigh condition (brief summary):
2B. Does the Veteran report flare-ups of the hip or thigh? Yes / No
If yes, document the Veteran's description of the flare-ups he/she experiences, including the frequency, duration, characteristics, precipitating and alleviating factors, severity and/or extent of functional impairment he or she experiences during a flare-up of symptoms.
2C. Does the Veteran report having any functional loss or functional impairment of the joint or extremity being evaluated on this questionnaire, including but not limited to after repeated use over time? Yes / No
If yes, document the Veteran's description of functional loss or functional impairment in his/her own words.

RANGE OF MOTION (ROM) AND FUNCTIONAL LIMITATION (Section III)

3A. Initial ROM measurements — All normal / Abnormal or outside of normal range / Unable to test / Not indicated
If ROM is outside of 'normal' range, but is normal for the Veteran (for reason other than a hip/thigh condition, such as age, body habitus, neurologic disease), please describe:
If abnormal, does the range of motion itself contribute to a functional loss? Yes / No
Can testing be performed? Yes / No
If this is the unclaimed joint, is it: Damaged / Undamaged
Active ROM — Flexion endpoint (125 degrees): degrees
Active ROM — Extension endpoint (30 degrees): degrees
Active ROM — Abduction endpoint (45 degrees): degrees
Active ROM — Adduction endpoint (25 degrees): degrees
Active ROM — External rotation endpoint (60 degrees): degrees
Active ROM — Internal rotation endpoint (40 degrees): degrees
If noted on examination, which ROM exhibited pain (select all that apply): Flexion / Extension / Abduction / Adduction / External Rotation / Internal Rotation
If any limitation of motion is specifically attributable to pain, weakness, fatigability, incoordination, or other; please note the degree(s) in which limitation of motion is specifically attributable to the factors identified and describe.
Flexion degree endpoint (if different than above)
Extension degree endpoint (if different than above)
Abduction degree endpoint (if different than above)
Adduction degree endpoint (if different than above)
External Rotation degree endpoint (if different than above)
Internal Rotation degree endpoint (if different than above)
Does a limitation in adduction prevent the Veteran from crossing his/her legs? Yes / No
Passive ROM — Flexion endpoint (125 degrees): degree / Same as active ROM
Passive ROM — Extension endpoint (30 degrees): degree / Same as active ROM
Passive ROM — Abduction endpoint (45 degrees): degree / Same as active ROM
Passive ROM — Adduction endpoint (25 degrees): degree / Same as active ROM
Passive ROM — External rotation endpoint (60 degrees): degree / Same as active ROM
Passive ROM — Internal rotation endpoint (40 degrees): degree / Same as active ROM
If noted on examination, which ROM exhibited pain (passive) (select all that apply): Flexion / Extension / Abduction / Adduction / External Rotation / Internal Rotation
Does a limitation in passive adduction prevent the Veteran from crossing his/her legs? Yes / No
Is there evidence of pain? Yes / No — weight-bearing / nonweight-bearing / active motion / passive motion / on rest/non-movement / causes functional loss / does not result in/cause functional loss
Is there objective evidence of crepitus? Yes / No
Is there objective evidence of localized tenderness or pain on palpation of the joint or associated soft tissue? Yes / No
3B. Is the Veteran able to perform repetitive-use testing with at least three repetitions? Yes / No
Is there additional loss of function or range of motion after three repetitions? Yes / No
Flexion endpoint after three repetitions (125 degrees): degrees
Extension endpoint after three repetitions (30 degrees): degrees
Abduction endpoint after three repetitions (45 degrees): degrees
Adduction endpoint after three repetitions (25 degrees): degrees
External rotation endpoint after three repetitions (60 degrees): degrees
Internal rotation endpoint after three repetitions (40 degrees): degrees
Does limitation in adduction after observed repetitive use prevent the Veteran from crossing his/her legs? Yes / No
Select factors that cause this functional loss: Pain / Fatigability / Weakness / Lack of endurance / Incoordination / Other / N/A
3C. Is the Veteran being examined immediately after repeated use over time? Yes / No
Does procured evidence (statements from the Veteran) suggest pain, fatigability, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination which significantly limits functional ability with repeated use over time? Yes / No
Select factors that cause this functional loss (repeated use over time): Pain / Fatigability / Weakness / Lack of endurance / Incoordination / Other / N/A
Estimate range of motion — Flexion endpoint after repeated use over time (125 degrees): degrees
Estimate range of motion — Extension endpoint after repeated use over time (30 degrees): degrees
Estimate range of motion — Abduction endpoint after repeated use over time (45 degrees): degrees
Estimate range of motion — Adduction endpoint after repeated use over time (25 degrees): degrees
Estimate range of motion — External rotation endpoint after repeated use over time (60 degrees): degrees
Estimate range of motion — Internal rotation endpoint after repeated use over time (40 degrees): degrees
Please cite and discuss evidence. (Must be specific to the case and based on all procurable evidence.)
Does limitation in adduction after repeated use over time prevent the Veteran from crossing his/her legs? Yes / No
3D. Is the examination being conducted during a flare-up? Yes / No
Does procured evidence (statements from the Veteran) suggest pain, fatigability, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination which significantly limits functional ability with flare-ups? Yes / No
Select factors that cause this functional loss (flare-ups): Pain / Fatigability / Weakness / Lack of endurance / Incoordination / Other / N/A
Estimate range of motion during flare-ups — Flexion endpoint (125 degrees): degrees
Estimate range of motion during flare-ups — Extension endpoint (30 degrees): degrees
Estimate range of motion during flare-ups — Abduction endpoint (45 degrees): degrees
Estimate range of motion during flare-ups — Adduction endpoint (25 degrees): degrees
Estimate range of motion during flare-ups — External rotation endpoint (60 degrees): degrees
Estimate range of motion during flare-ups — Internal rotation endpoint (40 degrees): degrees
Please cite and discuss evidence. (Must be specific to the case and based on all procurable evidence.)
Does limitation in adduction during flare-ups prevent the Veteran from crossing his/her legs? Yes / No
3E. In addition to those addressed above, are there additional contributing factors of disability? Please select all that apply and describe: None / Interference with standing / Disturbance of locomotion / Less movement than normal / Weakened movement / Instability of station / Interference with sitting / Swelling / Deformity / More movement than normal / Atrophy of disuse / Other, describe
Please describe additional contributing factors of disability:

MUSCLE ATROPHY (Section IV)

4A. Does the Veteran have muscle atrophy? Yes / No
4B. If yes, is the muscle atrophy due to the claimed condition in the diagnosis section? Yes / No — If no, provide rationale:
4C. Specify location of atrophy (e.g. '10cm above or below the hip'):
Circumference of more normal side: cm
Circumference of atrophied side: cm

ANKYLOSIS (Section V)

5A. Is there ankylosis of the hip and/or thigh? Yes / No
If yes, indicate the severity of ankylosis: Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable ankylosis, foot not reaching ground, crutches needed / Intermediate, between favorable and unfavorable / Favorable, in flexion at an angle between 20 and 40 degrees, and slight abduction or adduction

FEMUR OR FLAIL HIP JOINT IMPAIRMENT (Section VI)

6A. Does the Veteran have malunion or non union of femur, flail hip joint or leg length discrepancy? Yes / No
Fracture of shaft or neck (anatomical), with nonunion with loose motion (spiral or oblique fracture)
Fracture of shaft or neck (anatomical), resulting in nonunion without loose motion; weight-bearing preserved with aid of brace
Fracture of surgical neck with false joint
Malunion of the femur
Flail hip joint
Leg length discrepancy (shortening of any bones of the lower extremity)
Measurements: Right leg: cm / inch
Measurements: Left leg: cm / inch
For any leg length discrepancy, please describe the relationship to the conditions listed in the diagnosis section above:

SURGICAL PROCEDURES (Section VII)

7A. Indicate any surgical procedures that the Veteran has had performed (check all that apply): No surgery
Hip joint resurfacing — Date of surgery:
Total hip joint replacement — Date of surgery:
Total hip joint replacement residuals: None / Moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain or limitation of motion / Markedly severe residuals of weakness, pain or limitation of motion following implantation of prosthesis / Following implantation of prosthesis with painful motion or weakness such as to require the use of crutches / Other, describe:
Arthroscopic ligament repair — Date of surgery:
Other surgery not described (specify below): Date of surgery / Type of surgery:
Residuals of arthroscopic or other hip surgery — Describe residuals:

OTHER PERTINENT PHYSICAL FINDINGS, COMPLICATIONS, CONDITIONS, SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND SCARS (Section VIII)

8A. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the diagnosis section above? Yes / No — If yes, describe (brief summary)
8B. Does the Veteran have any scars or other disfigurement (of the skin) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the diagnosis section above? Yes / No

ASSISTIVE DEVICES (Section IX)

9A. Does the Veteran use any assistive devices as a normal mode of locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be possible? Yes / No
Wheelchair — Frequency of use: Occasional / Regular / Constant
Brace for ambulation — Frequency of use: Occasional / Regular / Constant
Crutches — Frequency of use: Occasional / Regular / Constant
Cane(s) — Frequency of use: Occasional / Regular / Constant
Walker — Frequency of use: Occasional / Regular / Constant
Other, describe: — Frequency of use: Occasional / Regular / Constant
9B. If the Veteran uses any assistive devices, specify the condition, indicate the side, and identify the assistive device used for each condition.

REMAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTION OF THE EXTREMITIES (Section X)

10A. Due to the Veterans hip or thigh condition(s), is there functional impairment of an extremity such that no effective functions remain other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis (functions of the lower extremity include balance and propulsion, etc.)? Yes, functioning is so diminished that amputation with prosthesis would equally serve the Veteran / No
If yes, indicate extremities for which this applies: Right lower / Left lower
10B. For each checked extremity, identify the condition causing loss of function, describe loss of effective function and provide specific examples (brief summary):

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING (Section XI)

11A. Have imaging studies been performed in conjunction with this examination? Yes / No
11B. If yes, is degenerative or post-traumatic arthritis documented? Yes / No — Indicate side: Right / Left / Both
11C. If yes provide type of test or procedure, date and results (brief summary):
11D. Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings or results related to the claimed condition(s) and/or diagnosis(es), that were reviewed in conjunction with this examination? Yes / No — If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date and results (brief summary):
11E. If any test results are other than normal, indicate relationship of abnormal findings to diagnosed conditions:

FUNCTIONAL IMPACT (Section XII)

12A. Regardless of the Veteran's current employment status, do the conditions listed in the diagnosis section impact his/her ability to perform any type of occupational task (such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, etc.)? Yes / No
If yes, describe the functional impact of each condition, providing one or more examples:

REMARKS (Section XIII)

13A. Remarks (if any - please identify the section to which the remark pertains when appropriate).

Rating Levels for DC 5253

The following tiers are reproduced from 38 CFR Part 4, the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Toggle between the official VA criteria and a Plain English explanation.

Plain-English summaries are AI-generated to explain the official criteria. The official 38 CFR language is the binding legal standard. When in doubt, ask a VSO.

What the Board discussed in granted decisions for DC 5253

The themes below were extracted by clustering 500 grant-factor sentences from published Board of Veterans Appeals decisions for this diagnostic code. Frequencies indicate how often each theme appeared in the sample. This is a factual aggregate of the public record, not advice or strategy for any specific claim.

30% Benefit of doubt doctrine noted as inapplicable
The Board or decision noted that because the preponderance or persuasive weight of evidence was against the claim, the benefit of the doubt doctrine did not apply and the claim was denied.
148 of 500 sample sentences
19% Benefit of doubt applied, rating or claim granted
The Board resolved approximate or equipoise evidence in the Veteran's favor and awarded or upheld a specific disability rating or service connection.
97 of 500 sample sentences
18% Benefit of doubt standard and legal definition cited
The decision cited the statutory or regulatory standard requiring VA to give the benefit of the doubt to a claimant when positive and negative evidence is in approximate or nearly equal balance.
89 of 500 sample sentences
12% Medical nexus opinion cited at least as likely as not
A VA or private examiner opined that the Veteran's disability was at least as likely as not incurred in, caused by, or related to service or a service-connected condition.
60 of 500 sample sentences
8% Evidence found in equipoise supporting grant
The Board found the overall lay and medical evidence at least in relative equipoise on a material question, resulting in a decision in the Veteran's favor.
42 of 500 sample sentences
6% Specific rating percentage awarded under benefit of doubt
The Board applied the benefit of the doubt and assigned a specific disability percentage rating under a named diagnostic code for a hip, thigh, knee, or other musculoskeletal condition.
29 of 500 sample sentences
2% Examiner remand question regarding nexus noted
The decision recorded a remand instruction asking an examiner to opine whether a disability was at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by service or a service-connected condition.
10 of 500 sample sentences
2% Thigh or hip impairment rating under DC 5253 or related codes
The Board specifically addressed ratings for thigh impairment, hip limitation of motion, or related conditions under DC 5252, 5253, 5314, or 5315, applying benefit of the doubt to assign or deny a higher rating.
9 of 500 sample sentences
2% Negative nexus or inadequate medical opinion recorded
An examiner opined that a disability was not at least as likely as not related to service, or the Board found a medical opinion lacked adequate rationale and assigned it no probative value.
8 of 500 sample sentences
2% Evidence supported specific factual finding of disability level
The Board found that the medical and lay evidence affirmatively supported a specific factual conclusion about the nature, severity, or extent of the Veteran's disability.
8 of 500 sample sentences

Disclaimer: This page reproduces public Department of Veterans Affairs forms (DBQs) and verbatim text from 38 CFR Part 4 (the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities). It is informational only and is not legal or medical advice. For guidance on a specific claim, contact a VA-accredited representative.