Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)

DC 7508Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7508

Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. The VA rates kidney stones based on whether they recur and whether they require specific treatments or cause complications.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7508

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7508. 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 kidney stones cause frequent attacks of colic with infection (pyonephrosis) and impaired kidney function.

What the VA looks for

Frequent attacks with infection
Pyonephrosis documented
Impaired kidney function on lab work
Elevated creatinine or decreased eGFR

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every episode of kidney stone passage or colic pain, including emergency room visits — the rating depends on attack frequency.
⚠Not getting regular imaging to show recurrent stone formation, even when you are between episodes.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like urinary tract infections, chronic kidney disease, or hypertension that may develop from repeated kidney stone episodes.
⚠Not keeping records of all treatments including dietary modifications, medications, and procedures (lithotripsy, stent placement) — each procedure counts toward the frequency threshold.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney Conditions (Nephrology)

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

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis) or rated under the same body system.

Gout

DC 5017·Musculoskeletal·Related primary

Erectile Dysfunction

DC 7522·Genitourinary

Chronic Kidney Disease (Renal Insufficiency)

DC 7502·Genitourinary

Urinary Incontinence

DC 7542·Genitourinary

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

DC 7527·Genitourinary

Chronic Urinary Tract Infection

DC 7512·Genitourinary

Overactive Bladder

DC 7517·Genitourinary

Prostate Cancer

DC 7528·Genitourinary

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7508

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your kidney stones cause frequent attacks of colic with infection (pyonephrosis) and impaired kidney function.

What the VA looks for

Frequent attacks with infection
Pyonephrosis documented
Impaired kidney function on lab work
Elevated creatinine or decreased eGFR

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every episode of kidney stone passage or colic pain, including emergency room visits — the rating depends on attack frequency.

⚠Not getting regular imaging to show recurrent stone formation, even when you are between episodes.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like urinary tract infections, chronic kidney disease, or hypertension that may develop from repeated kidney stone episodes.

⚠Not keeping records of all treatments including dietary modifications, medications, and procedures (lithotripsy, stent placement) — each procedure counts toward the frequency threshold.