Chronic Kidney Disease — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Renal dysfunction and voiding dysfunction cannot both be rated for the same condition — the rater assigns whichever set of criteria produces the higher evaluation (per the General Rating Formula for the genitourinary system).
• Where the sole basis for the rating is hypertension, use DC 7101 rather than the renal dysfunction criteria; the renal criteria incorporate the DC 7101 thresholds by reference.
• Have the examiner state the specific lab values (creatinine, BUN, eGFR) with the collection dates so the tier can be pinned precisely.
• If on regular dialysis, that alone supports 100% — make sure the treatment records document dialysis schedule and prescribing nephrologist.
• Document whether kidney disease limits the veteran to 'sedentary activity' — this phrase is dispositive for the 100% tier.

Evidence that helps

• Nephrology consultation and treatment notes establishing the CKD diagnosis and stage
• Serial lab reports showing serum creatinine and BUN in mg% with dates
• eGFR values and CKD stage documentation
• Urinalysis reports documenting albumin/protein, casts, and red blood cells
• Blood pressure log or clinic readings sufficient to evaluate under DC 7101
• Documentation of edema (location, severity, persistence)
• Dialysis records including start date and frequency, if applicable
• Physician statements on functional impact (lethargy, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, exertion limits, sedentary restriction)
• Records of any other organ-system involvement, especially cardiovascular

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

Conditions medically linked to Kidney Disease — each can be worth a separate or secondary claim:

• Hypertension — Kidney disease and high blood pressure drive each other — each is a recognized secondary of the other.
• Diabetes — Diabetic nephropathy makes kidney disease a well-established secondary to diabetes.
• Kidney stones — Recurrent stones can contribute to chronic kidney impairment.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for chronic kidney disease?

The VA rates chronic kidney disease under 38 CFR diagnostic code 7541. The rating tiers are: 0% — Albumin and red blood cells in urine, OR transient or slight edema, OR hypertension that is noncompensable under DC 7101 (i.e., diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, is NOT yet met).; 30% — Albumin constant or recurring with hyaline and granular casts or red blood cells; OR transient or slight edema; OR hypertension that is at least 10 percent disabling under DC 7101 (diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more).; 60% — Constant albuminuria with some edema; OR definite decrease in kidney function; OR hypertension that is at least 40 percent disabling under DC 7101 (diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more).; 80% — Persistent edema and albuminuria with BUN 40 to 80 mg%, OR creatinine 4 to 8 mg%; OR generalized poor health characterized by lethargy, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, or limitation of exertion.; 100% — Requiring regular dialysis, OR precluding more than sedentary activity from one of the following: persistent edema and albuminuria; OR BUN more than 80 mg%; OR creatinine more than 8 mg%; OR markedly decreased function of kidney or other organ systems, especially cardiovascular.. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.

How much VA disability compensation is chronic kidney disease?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Chronic Kidney Disease can be rated from 0% to 100%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.

What evidence do I need for a chronic kidney disease VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: Nephrology consultation and treatment notes establishing the CKD diagnosis and stage; Serial lab reports showing serum creatinine and BUN in mg% with dates; eGFR values and CKD stage documentation; Urinalysis reports documenting albumin/protein, casts, and red blood cells; Blood pressure log or clinic readings sufficient to evaluate under DC 7101; Documentation of edema (location, severity, persistence); Dialysis records including start date and frequency, if applicable; Physician statements on functional impact (lethargy, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, exertion limits, sedentary restriction); Records of any other organ-system involvement, especially cardiovascular.

How do I get the correct rating for chronic kidney disease?

To be rated accurately: Renal dysfunction and voiding dysfunction cannot both be rated for the same condition — the rater assigns whichever set of criteria produces the higher evaluation (per the General Rating Formula for the genitourinary system).; Where the sole basis for the rating is hypertension, use DC 7101 rather than the renal dysfunction criteria; the renal criteria incorporate the DC 7101 thresholds by reference.; Have the examiner state the specific lab values (creatinine, BUN, eGFR) with the collection dates so the tier can be pinned precisely.; If on regular dialysis, that alone supports 100% — make sure the treatment records document dialysis schedule and prescribing nephrologist.; Document whether kidney disease limits the veteran to 'sedentary activity' — this phrase is dispositive for the 100% tier..