★ Genitourinary
Chronic Kidney Disease VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.115a (Renal Dysfunction)
Overview
Renal Dysfunction is a 'whichever is worse' rating combining lab values, hypertension, and physical findings.
Dialysis is automatic 100%; kidney transplant is 100% for one year, then minimum 30%.
Often secondary to service-connected hypertension or diabetes.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Secondary: most kidney disease claims succeed as secondary to service-connected hypertension or diabetes.
- Direct: in-service kidney injury or chronic UTI complications.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.115a (Renal Dysfunction)
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Albumin and casts with history of acute nephritis; or hypertension non-compensable under DC 7101. |
| 30% | Albumin constant or recurring with hyaline and granular casts or red blood cells; or transient or slight edema or hypertension at least 10% disabling. |
| 60% | Constant albuminuria with some edema; or definite decrease in kidney function; or hypertension at least 40% disabling. |
| 80% | Persistent edema and albuminuria with BUN 40 to 80mg%; or creatinine 4 to 8mg%; or generalized poor health. |
| 100% | Requires regular dialysis; or precludes more than sedentary activity from one of the following: persistent edema and albuminuria; or BUN >80mg%; or creatinine >8mg%; or markedly decreased kidney function. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Creatinine, BUN, GFR labs.
- Urinalysis.
- Nephrology notes.
- Documentation of any dialysis or transplant.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Chronic Kidney Disease:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Chronic Kidney Disease claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.