Chronic Kidney Disease (Renal Insufficiency)

DC 7502Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7502

Progressive loss of kidney function over time. The VA rates chronic kidney disease based on how it affects your body, what treatment you need, and how much kidney function you have lost.

Rating Levels

Your kidney disease requires regular dialysis, or precludes more than sedentary activity from one of the following: persistent edema and albuminuria, BUN more than 80mg%, creatinine more than 8mg%, or markedly decreased kidney function.

What the VA looks for

Regular dialysis required
BUN more than 80mg% or creatinine more than 8mg%
Markedly decreased kidney function
Precludes more than sedentary activity
Cardiovascular complications

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by kidney disease — hypertension, anemia, bone disease, and edema may each warrant separate ratings.
⚠Not documenting the specific lab values (eGFR, creatinine, BUN, albumin) that directly determine the rating level.
⚠If kidney disease is secondary to diabetes or hypertension, make sure the causal connection is documented by a physician.
⚠Not requesting re-evaluation as the disease progresses — chronic kidney disease typically worsens over time.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney Conditions (Nephrology)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Regular dialysis required
BUN more than 80mg% or creatinine more than 8mg%
Markedly decreased kidney function
Precludes more than sedentary activity
Cardiovascular complications

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by kidney disease — hypertension, anemia, bone disease, and edema may each warrant separate ratings.

⚠Not documenting the specific lab values (eGFR, creatinine, BUN, albumin) that directly determine the rating level.

⚠If kidney disease is secondary to diabetes or hypertension, make sure the causal connection is documented by a physician.

⚠Not requesting re-evaluation as the disease progresses — chronic kidney disease typically worsens over time.