Chronic Nephritis

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

Chronic inflammation of the kidneys that causes progressive damage to the filtering units (glomeruli). The VA rates chronic nephritis based on the degree of renal dysfunction, including albumin levels, edema, BUN, and creatinine values.

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 7502

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7502. 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 chronic nephritis requires regular dialysis, or precludes more than sedentary activity due to persistent edema and albuminuria, BUN more than 80mg%, creatinine more than 8mg%, or markedly decreased kidney function.

What the VA looks for

Regular dialysis treatment records
BUN more than 80mg% or creatinine more than 8mg%
End-stage renal disease diagnosis
Unable to perform more than sedentary activity
Markedly decreased kidney function or cardiovascular involvement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not obtaining serial lab work (urinalysis, BUN, creatinine, GFR) to document the progression of nephritis over time — the rating levels are tied to specific lab values.
⚠Not connecting nephritis to in-service exposures such as nephrotoxic medications, chemical exposures, or infections treated during service that may have damaged the kidneys.
⚠Not filing for secondary hypertension — chronic nephritis commonly causes high blood pressure, which is separately ratable under DC 7101.
⚠Not documenting the systemic effects of kidney dysfunction such as fatigue, swelling, weight changes, and exercise intolerance that support higher ratings.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7502

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Regular dialysis treatment records
BUN more than 80mg% or creatinine more than 8mg%
End-stage renal disease diagnosis
Unable to perform more than sedentary activity
Markedly decreased kidney function or cardiovascular involvement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not obtaining serial lab work (urinalysis, BUN, creatinine, GFR) to document the progression of nephritis over time — the rating levels are tied to specific lab values.

⚠Not connecting nephritis to in-service exposures such as nephrotoxic medications, chemical exposures, or infections treated during service that may have damaged the kidneys.

⚠Not filing for secondary hypertension — chronic nephritis commonly causes high blood pressure, which is separately ratable under DC 7101.

⚠Not documenting the systemic effects of kidney dysfunction such as fatigue, swelling, weight changes, and exercise intolerance that support higher ratings.