VA Disability for Hip Replacement

If you developed hip problems due to your military service and now need a replacement, you may be owed VA disability compensation. Hip replacement surgery is often connected to other service-connected conditions. You may qualify for a VA rating for hip replacement.

You don’t realize how much you use your hips until they start to give out. But what started as an occasional ache has now become significant, ongoing pain. Now, the doctor says you need a hip replacement. The condition that caused this need may be related to your military service. It’s time to learn about VA disability for hip replacement and what you can expect. 

Hip replacement in veterans

A hip replacement is a surgical procedure where doctors remove damaged sections of your hip joint and replace it with artificial joints that are metal, ceramic, or hard plastic. It’s also sometimes called a “hip arthroplasty.”

There are two main types of hip replacements:

1. Total hip replacement: Both the ball and the socket of the hip are replaced.
2. Partial hip replacement: Only the ball of the hip is replaced.

Doctors typically recommend hip replacements when the joint has deteriorated so much that it limits mobility and causes a lot of pain. They usually try physical therapy and medications first, and you can receive VA disability benefits for hip pain regardless of whether a hip replacement is necessary.

Veterans may be prone to hip conditions that result in the need for a hip replacement because of the physical demands of service. Veterans’ bodies are often put under a lot of movement-related stress during active duty, causing wear and tear on the body that may cause conditions leading to hip-related issues.

Conditions that can lead to a hip replacement

Various factors can cause hip damage and lead to the need for a replacement. Research shows that four conditions most commonly result in the need for a hip replacement:

1. Osteoarthritis: Cartilage breakdown from age and long-term wear can cause osteoarthritis and is the most common cause of hip replacements. 
2. Avascular necrosis (AVN): AVN occurs when the blood supply to the ball of the hip joint is disrupted, causing bone tissue to die. As the bone weakens and eventually collapses, it leads to secondary osteoarthritis in the joint. Risk factors for AVN include alcohol use, long-term steroid use, smoking, and clotting disorders.
3. Physical trauma: Fractures can damage the hip immediately or set the stage for degeneration years later. Even if the injury is treated promptly, these issues frequently lead to secondary osteoarthritis.
4. Inflammatory arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis cause chronic inflammation that may gradually destroy tissue in the hip joint.

VA rating for hip replacement

The VA rates hip replacement using diagnostic code 5250 in the Schedule of Ratings. Veterans are awarded 100% VA disability or $3,938.58 for four months after the hip replacement surgery. In some cases, this can be extended if you experience severe complications. 

After a temporary total rating period ends, hip replacements are rated as follows:

Description	VA Rating	Monthly payment (vet only)
Following implantation of prosthesis with painful motion or weakness such as to require the use of crutches	90%	$2,362.30
Markedly severe residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion following implantation of prosthesis	70%	$1,808.45
Moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain or limitation of motion	50%	$1,132.90
Minimum evaluation, total replacement only	30%	$552.47

TDIU for hip issues

In some cases, a veteran may be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for a hip replacement and related hip issues. TDIU is also known as individual unemployability or simply IU. Veterans are eligible for these benefits if they can’t hold down “substantially gainful” employment due to their service-connected conditions.

Veterans with hip issues may struggle to stand for long periods, bend down, or move around comfortably at work. If their knee pain is caused by a condition like arthritis, sitting, lifting, and other tasks may also be difficult or even impossible This can severely limit a person’s ability to work enough to support themselves.

Veterans who receive TDIU benefits are compensated at the same level as those with a 100% disability rating, even though their combined rating is below 100%.

Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:

• At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
• Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more

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How Woods & Woods can help

Woods & Woods has been fighting for people with injuries and disabilities since 1985. Our team of accredited VA disability lawyers, case managers, legal analysts, and intake specialists know the ins and outs of the VA so you don’t have to do all the hard work. Call us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.

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