Primary service-connected condition

DC 5252 — Thigh, limitation of flexion

Also known as: Thigh, hip pain, limited hip motion, hip flexion, groin pain

Mapped secondary conditions
6

These are commonly claimed secondary connections linked to this primary disability. Use them as a screening tool for conversations with your doctor, VSO, or VA-accredited attorney.

Primary Secondary

Thigh, limitation of flexion Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic

5003
Strong

How the connection is commonly explained

Altered gait from hip conditions causes compensatory stress on the opposite hip, knees, and ankles, accelerating arthritis.

Filing tip

File arthritis in other joints as secondary to hip condition with imaging showing degenerative changes.

Relationship type: Caused by
View condition detail
Primary Secondary

Thigh, limitation of flexion Knee, other impairment

5257
Strong

How the connection is commonly explained

Altered gait from hip pain overloads the knee

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 5252 (Thigh, limitation of flexion). Provide medical records showing altered gait from hip pain overloads the knee and request a nexus opinion linking Knee, other impairment to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
View condition detail
Primary Secondary

Thigh, limitation of flexion Lumbosacral or cervical strain

5237
Strong

How the connection is commonly explained

Hip and back are biomechanically linked — hip dysfunction stresses the spine

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 5252 (Thigh, limitation of flexion). Provide medical records showing hip and back are biomechanically linked — hip dysfunction stresses the spine and request a nexus opinion linking Lumbosacral or cervical strain to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
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Primary Secondary

Thigh, limitation of flexion Major depressive disorder

9434
Moderate

How the connection is commonly explained

Reduced mobility and chronic pain cause depression

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 5252 (Thigh, limitation of flexion). Provide medical records showing reduced mobility and chronic pain cause depression and request a nexus opinion linking Major depressive disorder to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
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Primary Secondary

Thigh, limitation of flexion Sciatic nerve, paralysis

8520
Moderate

How the connection is commonly explained

Hip conditions can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 5252 (Thigh, limitation of flexion). Provide medical records showing hip conditions can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve and request a nexus opinion linking Sciatic nerve, paralysis to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
View condition detail
Primary Secondary

Thigh, limitation of flexion Thigh, limitation of flexion

5252
Moderate

How the connection is commonly explained

Compensating for one hip overloads the other

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 5252 (Thigh, limitation of flexion). Provide medical records showing compensating for one hip overloads the other and request a nexus opinion linking Thigh, limitation of flexion to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
View condition detail

This condition may also be secondary to

Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010)
DC 5242
Strong

Altered gait compensation from spinal degeneration places extra stress on the hips.

Intervertebral disc syndrome
DC 5243
Strong

Compensation for chronic back pain transfers extra load to the hips.

Knee, other impairment
DC 5257
Strong

Compensating for knee pain shifts extra load to the hip joint.

Leg, limitation of extension
DC 5261
Strong

Compensating for poor knee extension shifts load to the hips.

Leg, limitation of flexion
DC 5260
Strong

Compensating for reduced knee flexion transfers load to the hips.

Lumbosacral or cervical strain
DC 5237
Strong

Altered gait compensation from back pain places extra stress on the hip joints.

Flatfoot, acquired
DC 5276
Moderate

Altered biomechanics from flat feet affect the kinetic chain up to the hips.

Plantar fasciitis
DC 5269
Moderate

Gait compensation stresses the hip

Thigh, limitation of flexion
DC 5252
Moderate

Compensating for one hip overloads the other

How to File a Secondary Claim

1. Have your primary condition already service-connected.
2. Get diagnosed with the secondary condition.
3. Get a nexus letter from a doctor linking them.
4. File VA Form 21-526EZ and select the claim as a secondary claim.
5. Attend the C&P exam if one is scheduled.

Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.