Chronic Hydronephrosis

DC 7505Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7505

Swelling of the kidney due to backup of urine caused by a blockage in the urinary tract. Chronic hydronephrosis can result from kidney stones, tumors, or strictures and may lead to permanent kidney damage. The VA rates this condition based on the degree of renal impairment and need for drainage procedures.

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 7505

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7505. 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

You have severe hydronephrosis with frequent attacks of colic requiring ongoing drainage, recurrent infection, and significantly impaired kidney function. The affected kidney shows marked atrophy or poor function on renal scan.

What the VA looks for

Severe hydronephrosis with kidney atrophy
Frequent colic with recurrent pyonephrosis
Significantly impaired renal function on renal scan
Chronic nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent
Surgical intervention required or performed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a renal scan (MAG3 or DTPA) to document differential kidney function — this test shows exactly how much each kidney contributes to overall function and demonstrates the impact of hydronephrosis.
⚠Not documenting every episode of renal colic — ER visits, imaging showing obstruction, and treatment records establish the frequency of attacks, which determines the rating level.
⚠Not filing for the underlying cause separately — if kidney stones, a stricture, or another service-connected condition caused the hydronephrosis, both the cause and the hydronephrosis should be addressed.
⚠Not reporting recurrent urinary tract infections — UTIs from hydronephrosis can be rated separately under urinary tract infection criteria and support a higher overall combined rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney Conditions (Nephrology)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Chronic Hydronephrosis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7505

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Severe hydronephrosis with kidney atrophy
Frequent colic with recurrent pyonephrosis
Significantly impaired renal function on renal scan
Chronic nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent
Surgical intervention required or performed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a renal scan (MAG3 or DTPA) to document differential kidney function — this test shows exactly how much each kidney contributes to overall function and demonstrates the impact of hydronephrosis.

⚠Not documenting every episode of renal colic — ER visits, imaging showing obstruction, and treatment records establish the frequency of attacks, which determines the rating level.

⚠Not filing for the underlying cause separately — if kidney stones, a stricture, or another service-connected condition caused the hydronephrosis, both the cause and the hydronephrosis should be addressed.

⚠Not reporting recurrent urinary tract infections — UTIs from hydronephrosis can be rated separately under urinary tract infection criteria and support a higher overall combined rating.