Nephrosclerosis (Hypertensive Kidney Disease)

DC 7507Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115a/4.115b, DC 7507

Kidney damage caused by long-term high blood pressure. The small blood vessels in the kidneys harden and thicken, reducing kidney function over time. Common in veterans with service-connected hypertension.

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 7507

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115a/4.115b, DC 7507. 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 nephrosclerosis requires regular dialysis or prevents you from doing more than sedentary activity due to severe kidney failure.

What the VA looks for

Regular dialysis required
BUN more than 80mg% or creatinine more than 8mg%
Markedly decreased kidney function (eGFR < 15)
Precludes more than sedentary activity
End-stage renal disease documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing a nexus between service-connected hypertension and kidney disease — if you have service-connected hypertension, nephrosclerosis should be claimed as a secondary condition with a medical opinion connecting the two.
⚠Not tracking kidney function decline over time — serial lab work (eGFR, creatinine, BUN, urine albumin) showing progressive decline is the strongest evidence.
⚠Not documenting symptoms of kidney disease — fatigue, swelling, nausea, decreased appetite, and changes in urination should all be reported at your C&P exam.
⚠Not requesting a renal ultrasound or imaging — structural kidney changes from nephrosclerosis (small, shrunken kidneys) provide objective evidence of the disease.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7507

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your nephrosclerosis requires regular dialysis or prevents you from doing more than sedentary activity due to severe kidney failure.

What the VA looks for

Regular dialysis required
BUN more than 80mg% or creatinine more than 8mg%
Markedly decreased kidney function (eGFR < 15)
Precludes more than sedentary activity
End-stage renal disease documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing a nexus between service-connected hypertension and kidney disease — if you have service-connected hypertension, nephrosclerosis should be claimed as a secondary condition with a medical opinion connecting the two.

⚠Not tracking kidney function decline over time — serial lab work (eGFR, creatinine, BUN, urine albumin) showing progressive decline is the strongest evidence.

⚠Not documenting symptoms of kidney disease — fatigue, swelling, nausea, decreased appetite, and changes in urination should all be reported at your C&P exam.

⚠Not requesting a renal ultrasound or imaging — structural kidney changes from nephrosclerosis (small, shrunken kidneys) provide objective evidence of the disease.