Chronic Pyelonephritis

DC 7504Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7504

Chronic infection of the kidney that can lead to scarring and progressive loss of kidney function. The VA rates chronic pyelonephritis under either renal dysfunction criteria or urinary tract infection criteria, whichever produces the higher rating.

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 7504

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7504. 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 pyelonephritis requires regular dialysis or has caused end-stage renal disease precluding more than sedentary activity.

What the VA looks for

Regular dialysis treatment records
End-stage renal disease from chronic pyelonephritis
BUN more than 80mg% or creatinine more than 8mg%
Unable to perform more than sedentary activity
Complete kidney failure documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not requesting to be rated under both renal dysfunction and urinary tract infection criteria — the VA should apply whichever produces the higher rating.
⚠Not documenting the frequency of hospitalizations and antibiotic courses — keep a log of every kidney infection episode, emergency room visit, and hospitalization.
⚠Not connecting to recurrent UTIs during service — chronic pyelonephritis often develops from untreated or inadequately treated bladder infections that ascended to the kidneys.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like chronic kidney disease or hypertension that result from progressive kidney damage caused by recurrent infections.

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 7504

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your chronic pyelonephritis requires regular dialysis or has caused end-stage renal disease precluding more than sedentary activity.

What the VA looks for

Regular dialysis treatment records
End-stage renal disease from chronic pyelonephritis
BUN more than 80mg% or creatinine more than 8mg%
Unable to perform more than sedentary activity
Complete kidney failure documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not requesting to be rated under both renal dysfunction and urinary tract infection criteria — the VA should apply whichever produces the higher rating.

⚠Not documenting the frequency of hospitalizations and antibiotic courses — keep a log of every kidney infection episode, emergency room visit, and hospitalization.

⚠Not connecting to recurrent UTIs during service — chronic pyelonephritis often develops from untreated or inadequately treated bladder infections that ascended to the kidneys.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like chronic kidney disease or hypertension that result from progressive kidney damage caused by recurrent infections.