Ureteral Stricture

DC 7511Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7511

Narrowing of the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). This can cause urine to back up into the kidney, leading to pain, infections, and kidney damage. May result from surgery, kidney stones, or injury during military service.

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 7511

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7511. 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 ureteral stricture causes severe colic with recurrent infections and has impaired your kidney function despite treatment.

What the VA looks for

Severe colic with recurrent infections
Impaired kidney function documented
Multiple surgical interventions
Nephrostomy tube or long-term stent required
Significant functional impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the cause of the stricture — the VA needs evidence connecting the stricture to military service, such as surgical complications, kidney stone procedures, or pelvic/abdominal injuries during service.
⚠Not getting regular imaging (CT urogram or renal ultrasound) — these studies document ongoing obstruction and kidney dilation, which directly support higher ratings.
⚠Not claiming kidney function decline as a separate or related issue — if the stricture has damaged your kidney, the renal dysfunction may warrant a higher rating under the renal dysfunction criteria.
⚠Not documenting every stent placement, change, and surgical procedure — the frequency and invasiveness of ongoing treatment is key evidence for the rating.

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 7511

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your ureteral stricture causes severe colic with recurrent infections and has impaired your kidney function despite treatment.

What the VA looks for

Severe colic with recurrent infections
Impaired kidney function documented
Multiple surgical interventions
Nephrostomy tube or long-term stent required
Significant functional impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the cause of the stricture — the VA needs evidence connecting the stricture to military service, such as surgical complications, kidney stone procedures, or pelvic/abdominal injuries during service.

⚠Not getting regular imaging (CT urogram or renal ultrasound) — these studies document ongoing obstruction and kidney dilation, which directly support higher ratings.

⚠Not claiming kidney function decline as a separate or related issue — if the stricture has damaged your kidney, the renal dysfunction may warrant a higher rating under the renal dysfunction criteria.

⚠Not documenting every stent placement, change, and surgical procedure — the frequency and invasiveness of ongoing treatment is key evidence for the rating.