Last Updated on November 4, 2025 by mcelik
Did you know over 2 million Americans get hip bursitis each year? This condition causes pain on the outer side of the hip. It can really change how you live and work.
Understanding the rules for service connection is essential for veterans with hip bursitis VA rating navigating their VA claims.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding hip bursitis and its impact on daily life is essential for veterans seeking VA benefits.
- The VA provides disability ratings based on the severity of the condition and its impact on the veteran’s ability to work.
- Veterans with hip bursitis may be eligible for compensation and other benefits.
- The process of obtaining a VA disability rating involves medical evaluation and evidence of service connection.
- It’s important to know the VA’s criteria for disability ratings for hip bursitis.
Understanding Hip Bursitis and Its Impact
Hip bursitis affects more than just how we move. It impacts our overall health and happiness. This condition makes simple tasks hard to do.
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis is when the bursae in the hip get inflamed. Bursae are small sacs filled with fluid. They help bones, tendons, and muscles move smoothly. When they get inflamed, it causes pain and makes it hard to move.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Many things can lead to hip bursitis. Repetitive motion, direct blows, or infection are common causes. It’s more likely to happen in middle-aged or older adults.
Being overweight, having a history of hip injuries, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis also increase the risk. Knowing these factors helps in preventing and treating the condition.
Symptoms and Functional Limitations
Symptoms of hip bursitis include pain on the outer hip. This pain can spread down the thigh. It gets worse with activities like walking or climbing stairs.
Other signs are tenderness, swelling, and warmth. Hip bursitis makes everyday tasks hard. Even simple actions like getting dressed or walking can be painful and stiff.
In severe cases, it can greatly reduce mobility. This affects a person’s ability to live independently.
| Symptoms | Functional Limitations |
| Pain on the outer hip | Difficulty walking or climbing stairs |
| Tenderness and swelling | Challenges with daily activities like dressing |
| Warmth around the affected area | Impaired mobility and independence |
Hip Bursitis VA Rating: An Overview
Understanding how the VA rates hip bursitis is key for veterans seeking benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs has a detailed system. It evaluates the severity of hip bursitis to set the right disability rating.
How the VA Evaluates Hip Bursitis
The VA looks at how hip bursitis affects a veteran’s daily life. They check the pain level, range of motion, and any functional limits.
Key factors in the evaluation process include:
- Severity of symptoms
- Impact on daily activities
- Effect on mobility and range of motion
- Need for ongoing medical treatment
Rating Schedule for Musculoskeletal Conditions
The VA has a rating schedule for musculoskeletal conditions, including hip bursitis. This schedule is in the VA’s Schedule for Disability Ratings (VASRD).
| Rating Percentage | Criteria |
| 0% | Symptoms are present but do not result in significant functional impairment |
| 10%-20% | Mild to moderate symptoms with some functional limitation |
| 30%-40% | Moderate to severe symptoms with significant functional limitation |
| 50% or higher | Severe symptoms with marked impairment of function |
A medical expert says, “The VA’s rating schedule is fair and consistent for musculoskeletal conditions like hip bursitis.”
“The evaluation of hip bursitis for VA disability purposes requires a thorough understanding of the condition’s impact on the individual’s functional capacity.” –
VA Medical Guidelines
Diagnostic Codes Related to Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis is evaluated under specific diagnostic codes. These codes are in the VASRD under musculoskeletal disorders.
The diagnostic code used can change the disability rating. Veterans should make sure their condition is coded correctly to get the right rating.
Qualifying for VA Disability with Hip Bursitis
Understanding the rules for service connection is essential for veterans with hip bursitis navigating their VA claims.
Understanding the rules for service connection is essential for veterans with hip bursitis navigating their VA claims.
To get a service connection, you must show that your hip bursitis is linked to your military time. You need medical proof that shows your condition is tied to something that happened in the military.
Key elements required for service connection include:
- Evidence of the condition’s existence during service
- A medical diagnosis of hip bursitis
- A link between the condition and the veteran’s military service
Understanding the rules for service connection is essential for veterans with hip bursitis navigating their VA claims.
A direct service connection means your hip bursitis is straight from an injury or event in the military. You must show that your condition came from something that happened during your service.
Examples of direct service connection include:
- A documented injury to the hip during training or combat
- Development of hip bursitis due to repetitive strain or overuse during service
Understanding the rules for service connection is essential for veterans with hip bursitis navigating their VA claims.
A secondary service connection is for when hip bursitis is caused by another condition you got in the military. For example, if a condition makes you walk differently, leading to hip bursitis, you might qualify for this.
To establish a secondary service connection, veterans must:
- Have a primary service-connected condition
- Provide medical evidence linking the primary condition to the development or aggravation of hip bursitis
Understanding the rules for service connection is essential for veterans with hip bursitis navigating their VA claims.
VA Disability Rating Criteria for Hip Bursitis
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has specific criteria for rating hip bursitis. They look at how much motion is limited, the pain, and how much it affects daily life. Knowing these criteria is key for veterans to get compensation.
Rating Based on Limitation of Motion
The VA checks how much the hip joint can move to rate the disability. This is important because it affects how well a veteran can do everyday tasks and work.
Limitation of Motion Assessment: The VA has a rating schedule. It gives percentages based on how much motion is limited. For example, severe limitation gets a higher rating than mild.
Rating Based on Pain and Functional Loss
The VA also looks at pain and how much it affects daily life when rating hip bursitis. Pain can really change a veteran’s life, and not being able to do certain tasks is a big deal.
Pain and Functional Loss Evaluation: The VA checks how much pain affects daily activities. Functional loss is when you can’t move or do things because of hip bursitis. Both are important for the disability rating.
Combined Ratings for Multiple Hip Conditions
If a veteran has more than one hip condition, like hip bursitis and other musculoskeletal issues, the VA has a combined rating system. This system makes sure the veteran gets a rating that shows the total effect of all their hip conditions.
| Condition | Rating Percentage | Combined Rating |
| Hip Bursitis | 30% | 50% |
| Other Hip Condition | 30% |
The combined rating isn’t just the sum of the individual ratings. The VA uses a formula to calculate it. This ensures the final percentage really shows the veteran’s total disability.
Is Bursitis a Disability According to VA Standards?
It’s important for veterans to know if bursitis is a disability under VA rules. The Department of Veterans Affairs has clear guidelines for what makes a condition like bursitis a disability.
Legal Definition of Disability
The VA says a disability is when a veteran can’t work because of a condition. This condition must have happened or gotten worse during their time in the military.
Key factors in determining disability include:
- The severity of the condition
- The impact on daily activities and work capability
- Medical evidence supporting the diagnosis and its effects
How Bursitis Meets Disability Criteria
Bursitis can be seen as a disability by the VA if it really limits a veteran’s work ability. The VA looks at how bad the condition is, how often it flares up, and how well treatment works.
For instance, if bursitis:
- Causes chronic pain that interferes with daily activities
- Results in limited range of motion or strength
- Requires frequent medical interventions or hospitalizations
Temporary vs. Permanent Disability Status
The VA splits disabilities into temporary and permanent ones. Temporary disabilities are expected to get better with treatment. Permanent disabilities are stable and unlikely to get better much.
Bursitis can be considered:
- Temporary if it’s expected to resolve with treatment
- Permanent if it’s chronic and unlikely to improve
Knowing if bursitis is temporary or permanent is key. It decides what benefits a veteran gets and for how long.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome and VA Disability
GTPS is a condition linked to hip bursitis, posing challenges for veterans seeking VA disability. It’s key to grasp the specifics of GTPS to navigate the VA claims process well.
Relationship Between GTPS and Hip Bursitis
GTPS and hip bursitis both affect the hip but in different ways. Hip bursitis causes inflammation, while GTPS leads to pain on the outer hip. The VA acknowledges the complexity of diagnosing and treating these issues, often needing detailed medical checks.
Understanding the connection between GTPS and hip bursitis is vital for a successful VA claim. Knowing both conditions well is essential.
How the VA Rates GTPS
The VA has a rating schedule for GTPS based on pain and how it affects daily activities. The VA might rate GTPS under hip bursitis if they see a connection.
| Rating Percentage | Criteria |
| 0% | Symptoms are present but do not result in functional impairment. |
| 10%-20% | Mild to moderate pain and some functional limitation. |
| 30% or higher | Significant pain and marked functional impairment. |
Differentiating GTPS from Other Hip Conditions
It’s important to tell GTPS apart from other hip issues for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The VA needs detailed medical proof to tell GTPS from conditions like osteoarthritis or hip fractures. A thorough medical check is key for a winning VA disability claim.
We’ll look at why precise diagnosis matters for the VA rating process. Knowing GTPS’s unique traits and how it differs from other hip problems can greatly influence a VA claim’s success.
Common VA Disability Percentages for Hip Bursitis
It’s important for veterans to know about VA disability percentages for hip bursitis. The Department of Veterans Affairs gives ratings based on how bad the condition is. This affects how much help veterans get.
10% Rating Criteria and Examples
A 10% VA rating for hip bursitis means the condition causes limitation of motion but it’s not too bad. For example, if a veteran has hip pain and stiffness that makes daily tasks hard but doesn’t stop them from moving around, they might get a 10% rating.
- Mild pain and stiffness
- Limited motion that does not interfere significantly with daily activities
- No significant impairment in mobility
20% Rating Criteria and Examples
A 20% VA rating for hip bursitis shows more limitation of motion and worse symptoms. Veterans with a 20% rating might have:
- Moderate pain that makes daily tasks hard
- Noticeable limitation of motion
- Some mobility issues, needing help sometimes
For example, a veteran who can’t walk far because of hip pain and stiffness, and sometimes uses a cane, might get a 20% rating.
Higher Ratings for Severe Cases
For very bad hip bursitis that really affects a veteran’s life, they might get a higher rating. For instance, a 30% or higher rating could be for:
- Severe pain that really messes with daily life
- Big limitation of motion
- Big mobility issues, needing help or using devices like crutches
Veterans with very bad hip bursitis should make sure their claim shows how bad it is. This way, they can get the right disability rating.
Bilateral Hip Bursitis and VA Disability Benefits
Bilateral hip bursitis affects veterans in many ways. It’s important to get the right VA disability benefits. This condition causes inflammation in both hips, leading to pain and mobility issues.
The Bilateral Factor Explained
The bilateral factor is key in VA disability ratings. It helps when a condition affects both sides of the body, like bilateral hip bursitis. The VA uses this factor to calculate a higher disability rating for both sides together.
Let’s look at an example. If a veteran has a 10% rating for each hip, the VA combines these ratings. Then, they add a bilateral factor. This can increase the overall disability rating.
How Bilateral Bursitis Affects Your Rating
Bilateral hip bursitis can lead to a higher VA disability rating. The VA looks at the severity of the condition in both hips. They consider the impact on daily life, including pain and loss of function.
| Condition | Rating | Combined Rating | Bilateral Factor | Final Rating |
| Right Hip Bursitis | 10% | 19% | +10% | 30% |
| Left Hip Bursitis | 10% |
Documentation Requirements for Bilateral Claims
To claim VA disability benefits for bilateral hip bursitis, veterans need detailed medical records. These records should show the diagnosis, treatment, and how the condition affects daily life and mobility.
Key documentation requirements include:
- Medical records confirming the diagnosis of bilateral hip bursitis
- Documentation of symptoms, including pain levels and limitation of motion
- Records of any treatments or surgeries related to the condition
- Statements from healthcare providers detailing the impact on daily activities
Understanding the bilateral factor and having thorough documentation helps veterans with bilateral hip bursitis. They can then navigate the VA disability claims process effectively and get the benefits they deserve.
Medical Evidence Needed for Hip Bursitis Claims
Filing a VA disability claim for hip bursitis requires strong medical evidence. The Department of Veterans Affairs needs detailed records to understand the condition’s impact. This includes how it affects daily life and work abilities.
Required Medical Documentation
Veterans need to collect and submit detailed medical records for a hip bursitis claim. This includes:
- Medical records detailing the diagnosis and treatment of hip bursitis
- Results of imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds
- Documentation of symptoms, including pain levels and functional limitations
- Records of any surgical interventions or injections
- Statements from healthcare providers regarding the condition’s impact on daily activities
Importance of Comprehensive Medical Examinations
A thorough medical examination is key to proving the severity of hip bursitis. During this exam, a healthcare provider will check:
- Range of motion and flexibility
- Pain levels during movement and at rest
- Muscle strength and atrophy
- Functional limitations and their impact on daily activities
This exam gives the VA the evidence it needs to accurately assess the condition.
Using Private Medical Opinions
In some cases, a private medical opinion can greatly help a hip bursitis claim. A private opinion can:
- Provide additional context to the medical records
- Offer a detailed analysis of the condition’s severity
- Link the condition to military service, if applicable
It’s important to make sure the private healthcare provider knows about the VA’s requirements. They should also understand the specific details of the claim.
| Type of Medical Evidence | Description | Importance |
| Medical Records | Documentation of diagnosis, treatment, and symptoms | High |
| Imaging Studies | X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds showing the condition of the hip | High |
| Comprehensive Examination | Detailed assessment of range of motion, pain, and functional limitations | Critical |
| Private Medical Opinion | Additional context and analysis linking the condition to service | High |
The C&P Exam for Hip Bursitis
The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is key for veterans with hip bursitis. It checks how severe your condition is and how it affects your life and work.
What to Expect During the Examination
At the C&P exam, you’ll get a detailed check-up. The examiner will look at your medical history and any treatments for hip bursitis. They’ll also do a physical exam, checking your hip’s movement and for pain.
Key parts of the C&P exam for hip bursitis include:
- A detailed medical history review
- Physical examination of the hip
- Assessment of pain and functional limitations
- Review of previous treatments and their effectiveness
How to Prepare for Your C&P Exam
Getting ready for your C&P exam is important. Here’s how:
- Collect all your medical records about hip bursitis.
- Make a list of your symptoms and how they affect you.
- Be ready to talk about your pain and any limits it puts on you.
- Bring any devices you use, like canes, to show your needs.
| Preparation Step | Description |
| Gather Medical Records | Collect all relevant documents related to your hip bursitis diagnosis and treatment. |
| List Your Symptoms | Document your symptoms, including frequency and impact on daily life. |
| Describe Pain and Limitations | Be prepared to explain your pain levels and any functional limitations caused by hip bursitis. |
Challenging Inadequate C&P Exams
If you think your C&P exam was wrong, you can challenge it. You might ask for a new exam or add more evidence to your claim.
Challenging a C&P exam needs good documentation and a clear reason why it was wrong.
Filing a VA Disability Claim for Hip Bursitis
Filing a VA disability claim for hip bursitis needs a clear understanding of the steps and documents needed. We will help you through this process. This way, you have the best chance of a successful claim.
The Application Process
The first step is to know the application process for a VA disability claim for hip bursitis. It involves several important stages:
- Gathering medical evidence that supports your condition
- Completing the necessary VA forms
- Submitting your claim through the right channels
- Attending a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination if needed
It’s key to make sure all information is correct and complete. This helps avoid delays or denials.
Required Forms and Documentation
To file a successful VA disability claim for hip bursitis, you need to fill out specific forms and gather important documents. The main form you’ll need is the VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits.
| Form/Document | Description | Importance |
| VA Form 21-526EZ | Application for Disability Compensation | High |
| Medical Records | Documentation of hip bursitis diagnosis and treatment | High |
| Service Records | Evidence of service connection | High |
| Private Medical Opinion | Additional medical evidence supporting your claim | Medium |
Having all the necessary forms and documents will make your claim stronger.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When filing a VA disability claim for hip bursitis, there are common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Incomplete Forms: Make sure all sections of the VA Form 21-526EZ are filled out correctly.
- Insufficient Medical Evidence: Provide detailed medical records that show your condition.
- Missing Service Connection: Clearly show how your hip bursitis is linked to your military service.
Avoiding these mistakes can increase your chances of a successful claim.
VA Benefits Available for Hip Bursitis Sufferers
The VA has many benefits for veterans with hip bursitis. These benefits help with money, medical care, and getting better. They aim to make life better for veterans with this condition.
Monthly Compensation Rates
Veterans with hip bursitis might get monthly money help. This money depends on how bad their condition is and if it affects their job. The VA rates hip bursitis from 0% to 100%. The higher the rating, the more money they get.
| VA Rating | Monthly Compensation Rate |
| 0% | $0 |
| 10% | $152.64 |
| 20% | $301.74 |
| 30% | $467.39 |
The table shows that more money is given for higher ratings. This means veterans with more severe conditions get more help.
Healthcare Benefits
Veterans with hip bursitis also get healthcare help from the VA. They can see doctors, get tests, and treatments like physical therapy. The VA also pays for medical gear and supplies.
“The VA’s healthcare benefits are a vital component of our support for veterans with hip bursitis, providing them with the medical care they need to manage their condition effectively.”
Vocational Rehabilitation
For veterans who can’t work because of hip bursitis, the VA has vocational rehab. This helps them learn new skills, find jobs, or start businesses. The goal is to help them be independent and find work.
The VA offers many benefits like money, healthcare, and job help. These benefits help veterans with hip bursitis manage their condition and improve their life.
Appealing a Denied Hip Bursitis Claim
If your hip bursitis claim was denied, it’s important to know how to appeal. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers ways for veterans to appeal. This ensures that claims are reviewed and considered again.
Understanding the Appeals Process
The VA’s appeals process is fair and thorough. It lets veterans challenge decisions they think are wrong. The process starts with reviewing the claim and why it was denied.
Key Steps in the Appeals Process:
- Reviewing the denial notice and understanding the reasons for the decision
- Gathering additional evidence to support the claim
- Choosing the appropriate appeal option
- Submitting the appeal within the required timeframe
Higher-Level Review
A Higher-Level Review is an option for appealing a denied claim. A senior reviewer will look at the claim again. They make a new decision based on the evidence already in the file.
When to Choose a Higher-Level Review: This is good when you think the initial decision was wrong. But you don’t have new evidence to add.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) is another way to appeal. The BVA is a part of the VA that decides appeals. Veterans can choose to have a hearing or have their appeal decided based on the evidence.
Preparing for the BVA: Make sure your file is complete with all medical evidence. You might also want to get help from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or an attorney.
Understanding the appeals process and choosing the right path can help. This way, veterans can challenge a denied claim and get the benefits they deserve.
Conclusion: Navigating VA Disability for Hip Bursitis
Understanding the VA disability process for hip bursitis can be tough. But knowing how it works can help veterans get the benefits they need. We’ve looked at how hip bursitis affects veterans and the benefits they can get.
It’s key to know how the VA rates hip bursitis. The VA looks at things like how much you can move, pain, and how it affects your daily life. This knowledge helps veterans through the VA disability process for hip bursitis.
Veterans with hip bursitis might get different VA benefits. These include monthly money, healthcare, and help finding a job. We urge veterans to get the support they need to navigate the VA disability process and get the benefits they deserve.
FAQ
Is hip bursitis considered a disability by the VA?
Yes, hip bursitis can be seen as a disability by the VA. This is if it meets their criteria. This includes things like limited movement, pain, and loss of function.
The VA looks at how hip bursitis affects a veteran’s daily life. They check if it makes it hard to do everyday tasks.
What is the VA disability rating for hip bursitis?
The VA rating for hip bursitischanges based on how bad it is. Ratings range from 0% to 100%. The rating shows how much the condition affects a veteran’s ratings mean more severe symptoms. This means the veteran gets more benefits.
How does the VA evaluate hip bursitis for disability benefits?
The VA looks at medical evidence to evaluate hip bursitis. This includes a diagnosis, symptoms, and how it limits a veteran’s also use a rating schedule. This schedule considers how hip bursitis impacts a veteran’s daily life.
Can I receive VA benefits for bilateral hip bursitis?
Yes, veterans with bilateral hip bursitis can get VA benefits. This includes a rating for both hips. The rating for both hips can increase the overall means veterans with hip bursitis in both hips get more benefits.
What medical evidence is needed to support a hip bursitis VA claim?
To support a claim, veterans need to provide detailed medical evidence. This includes a diagnosis, medical history, and also need to show how it limits their activities. A medical exam and private opinions can help support the claim.
How do I prepare for a C&P exam for hip bursitis?
To prepare for a C&P exam, gather all medical documents. Be ready to talk about your symptoms and how they limit honest about your condition. It’s also important to know what to expect during the exam.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when filing a VA disability claim for hip bursitis?
Avoid incomplete or wrong medical documents. Don’t miss the chance to show how it connects to your sure to follow the VA’s application process correctly.
Can I appeal a denied VA disability claim for hip bursitis?
Yes, you can appeal a denied claim. The appeals process lets you get a higher review. You can also add more evidence to support your claim.
What VA benefits are available for hip bursitis sufferers?
Veterans with hip bursitis can get different VA benefits. This includes monthly payments, healthcare, and help with finding a benefits help veterans with hip bursitis in many ways.
Is greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) considered the same as hip bursitis by the VA?
GTPS is linked to hip bursitis, and the VA might look at it the same way. But, the VA sees GTPS and other hip issues as is based on the symptoms and how they affect a veteran’s life.
References
- Rhim, H. C., et al. (2024). A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing extracorporeal shockwave therapy in greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39297780/
