Why Are Kidney Conditions Important?

The kidneys are responsible for cleaning the blood of toxins and transforming those waste products into urine. This function is one of the most important in the body because without the balance the kidneys provide by removing wastes and excess water, the nerves, muscles, and other bodily tissues may not work properly. The kidneys also produce hormones that can help control blood pressure, keep bones strong and healthy, and make red blood cells.

Given how important the kidneys are for bodily functioning, it can be devastating when someone develops a condition that damages or limits the output of the kidneys. Due to the many possible causes of different kidney conditions, the VA provides compensation to veterans who can show that their kidney condition results from their military service. The kidney conditions which the VA provides compensation for include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Kidney removal (DC 7500)
  • Kidney abscess (DC 7501)
  • Tuberculosis of the kidney (DC 7505)
  • Kidney transplant (DC 7531)
  • Renal tubular disorders (DC 7532)

How The VA Rates Kidney Conditions

Under 38 CFR § 4.115a, the VA rates most kidney disorders under the disability rating schedule for renal dysfunction. A more expansive list of the types of kidney disorders the VA rates can be found under 38 CFR § 4.115b.

Renal dysfunction:

  • 100 – Requiring regular dialysis, or precluding more than sedentary activity from one of the following: persistent edema and albuminuria; or, BUN more than 80mg%; or, creatinine more than 8mg%; or, markedly decreased function of kidney or other organ systems, especially cardiovascular
  • 80 – Persistent edema and albuminuria with BUN 40 to 80mg%; or, creatinine 4 to 8mg%; or, generalized poor health characterized by lethargy, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, or limitation of exertion
  • 60 – Constant albuminuria with some edema; or, definite decrease in kidney function; or, hypertension at least 40 percent disabling under diagnostic code 7101
  • 30 – Albumin constant or recurring with hyaline and granular casts or red blood cells; or, transient or slight edema or hypertension at least 10 percent disabling under diagnostic code 7101
  • 0 – Albumin and casts with history of acute nephritis; or, hypertension non-compensable under diagnostic code 7101

The VA rates Kidney transplants (DC 7531) differently than other kidney conditions because they result in a schedular disability rating of 100 percent once the surgery occurs and for one year following hospital discharge. After that period, the VA rates the condition based on residuals of renal dysfunction with a minimum rating of 30 percent.

Help With Your VA Claim 

If you are a veteran who is looking for assistance with your claim, please contact our experienced veterans disability attorneys today. We are ready to help you get the compensation you are entitled to.