Absence of One Kidney

DC 7500Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7500

Absence of one kidney, whether congenital, from disease, or from surgical removal. The VA assigns a minimum 30% rating for the absence of one kidney, with higher ratings based on the residual function of the remaining kidney.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 7500

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7500. 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 are missing one kidney and the remaining kidney requires regular dialysis or has failed, precluding more than sedentary activity.

What the VA looks for

Documentation of absent kidney
Dialysis treatment records for remaining kidney
BUN more than 80mg% or creatinine more than 8mg%
End-stage renal disease diagnosis
Inability to perform more than sedentary activity

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not ensuring the minimum 30% rating is applied — even with a normally functioning remaining kidney, the absence of one kidney warrants at least 30%.
⚠Not monitoring the remaining kidney with regular lab work (GFR, creatinine) to document any decline that could support a higher rating over time.
⚠Not filing for secondary hypertension — high blood pressure commonly develops when only one kidney is present and can be rated separately.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney and Urinary Tract Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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