Diabetic Nephropathy

DC 7913Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7913

Kidney damage caused by diabetes that can get worse over time and may lead to kidney failure. The VA rates diabetic nephropathy based on how much kidney function you have lost and what treatment you need.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7913

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7913. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your diabetic nephropathy requires regular dialysis or prevents you from doing more than light seated activity due to severely reduced kidney function.

What the VA looks for

Regular dialysis required
BUN more than 80mg% or creatinine more than 8mg%
Markedly decreased kidney function (eGFR < 15)
Precludes more than sedentary activity
Kidney transplant evaluation or performed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing diabetic nephropathy as a secondary condition to service-connected diabetes — the causal connection must be clearly documented by a physician.
⚠Not tracking kidney function decline with serial lab work — eGFR, creatinine, BUN, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio trends over time are the most important evidence.
⚠Not understanding that diabetic nephropathy is rated separately from diabetes itself — you can receive a separate rating for kidney damage in addition to your diabetes rating.
⚠Not filing for additional secondary conditions — diabetic nephropathy can cause or worsen hypertension, anemia, and edema that may each warrant their own ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney Conditions (Nephrology)
DBQ Diabetes Mellitus

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7913

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your diabetic nephropathy requires regular dialysis or prevents you from doing more than light seated activity due to severely reduced kidney function.

What the VA looks for

Regular dialysis required
BUN more than 80mg% or creatinine more than 8mg%
Markedly decreased kidney function (eGFR < 15)
Precludes more than sedentary activity
Kidney transplant evaluation or performed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing diabetic nephropathy as a secondary condition to service-connected diabetes — the causal connection must be clearly documented by a physician.

⚠Not tracking kidney function decline with serial lab work — eGFR, creatinine, BUN, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio trends over time are the most important evidence.

⚠Not understanding that diabetic nephropathy is rated separately from diabetes itself — you can receive a separate rating for kidney damage in addition to your diabetes rating.

⚠Not filing for additional secondary conditions — diabetic nephropathy can cause or worsen hypertension, anemia, and edema that may each warrant their own ratings.