Hip and Thigh Conditions

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960M-7 (Hip and Thigh Conditions DBQ) after examining you. This walkthrough helps you prepare them. The DBQ is a standardized questionnaire; your doctor's answers directly determine your VA rating. Brief them on these specific points before the exam so nothing important is missed or underdocumented.

Common mistakes

• ×Asking your doctor to just "fill out the VA form" without briefing them - an uninformed completion is often generic and leads to lower ratings.
• ×Bringing the DBQ to a provider who has never seen you before - your treating physician who knows your history will write the most credible documentation.
• ×Going to the exam and waiting for the doctor to ask questions - come prepared with specific examples of your worst days and functional limitations.

These are the key clinical questions from the Hip and Thigh Conditions DBQ. Help your doctor understand what each question is asking and give them concrete examples for your situation. Print this section and bring it to the appointment. 1. What is the range of motion for flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation? WHY IT MATTERS: ROM measurements determine the rating percentage for hip limitation of motion TIPS: Stop at the point of pain for each movement; Normal hip flexion is 125 degrees, abduction is 45 degrees 2. Has the Veteran had a hip replacement (prosthetic joint)? WHY IT MATTERS: Hip replacement has a minimum 30% rating with a 100% rating for 1 year following surgery TIPS: Bring surgical records; Note any complications or need for revision surgery 3. Is there a positive Trendelenburg sign? WHY IT MATTERS: Trendelenburg sign indicates hip abductor weakness and supports higher disability ratings TIPS: Mention if your hip drops or pelvis tilts when walking or standing on one leg 4. What is your weight-bearing tolerance? WHY IT MATTERS: Inability to bear weight affects functional capacity and overall rating TIPS: Describe how long you can stand, walk, or climb stairs; Mention use of cane, walker, or crutches

Common mistakes

• ×Not knowing that different hip movements can be rated under separate diagnostic codes
• ×Pushing through pain during range of motion testing
• ×Not claiming the 1-year 100% temporary rating after hip replacement surgery

VA raters use the Hip and Thigh Conditions DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Limitation of flexion (DC 5252) and extension (DC 5251) 2. Limitation of abduction, adduction, or rotation (DC 5253) 3. Presence of ankylosis (DC 5250) 4. Prosthetic hip joint status (DC 5054) - minimum 30% after 1-year post-surgical 100% 5. Flail joint or malunion of the femur 6. Additional functional loss from pain, weakness, and flare-ups For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Failing to report use of assistive devices (cane, walker) as evidence of severity

Authority

• 38 CFR 4.1 - Functional impairment as the basis for rating.

Preparation checklist for the Hip and Thigh Conditions DBQ exam: 1. Avoid pain medication before the exam if safely possible 2. Bring surgical records if you have had a hip replacement 3. Describe how the hip condition affects walking, sitting, climbing stairs, and sleeping 4. Document flare-up frequency, triggers, and how much worse your hip becomes during flare-ups 5. If you use a cane or walker, bring it and explain when and why you need it Remember: Describe your WORST days, not your average days. VA raters evaluate the full range of your disability including its worst manifestations.

Common mistakes

• ×Describing your best days or average functioning instead of your worst - VA rates the full range of disability.
• ×Minimizing symptoms out of stoicism or pride - accurate documentation is not exaggeration; it is honesty.
• ×Not mentioning secondary symptoms, side effects, or additional conditions the doctor may not ask about.