Kidney Stones — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• DC 7508 has only one listed disability level (10%). If severity exceeds that, the condition is rated as hydronephrosis under DC 7509 — do not assign a percentage under 7508 above 10%.
• Under 7509, milder hydronephrosis (only an occasional attack of colic, not infected and not requiring catheter drainage) is rated 10%; moderate severity (frequent attacks of colic requiring catheter drainage) is 20%; and severe (frequent attacks of colic with infection/pyonephrosis and impaired kidney function) is 30%.
• Severe hydronephrosis is rated as renal dysfunction — cross-reference the renal dysfunction criteria in 38 CFR 4.115a when kidney function is impaired.
• Document whether procedures occurred 'more than two times per year' — this is the numeric threshold that distinguishes the 10% level.

Evidence that helps

• Documentation of recurrent stone formation (imaging: CT, ultrasound, KUB X-ray)
• Records of diet therapy prescribed for stone prevention
• Records of drug therapy (e.g., potassium citrate, thiazides, allopurinol)
• Procedure records showing frequency (lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, stent placement) with dates to establish 'more than two times per year'
• Evidence of attacks of colic and their frequency
• Documentation of infection/pyonephrosis if present
• Lab and imaging evidence of impaired kidney function (creatinine, eGFR, BUN) for renal dysfunction rating

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

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

• Enlarged prostate (BPH) — Urinary obstruction from an enlarged prostate can promote stone formation.
• Diabetes — Diabetes and metabolic conditions raise kidney-stone risk.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for kidney stones?

The VA rates kidney stones under 38 CFR diagnostic code 7508. The rating tiers are: 10% — Recurrent stone formation requiring one or more of the following: (1) diet therapy; (2) drug therapy; (3) invasive or non-invasive procedures more than two times per year.; 30% — When the disability does not meet the 10% criteria under DC 7508, nephrolithiasis is rated as hydronephrosis under DC 7509. The 30% level under 7509 requires frequent attacks of colic with infection (pyonephrosis) and impaired kidney function.. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.

How much VA disability compensation is kidney stones?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Kidney Stones can be rated from 10% to 30%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.

What evidence do I need for a kidney stones VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: Documentation of recurrent stone formation (imaging: CT, ultrasound, KUB X-ray); Records of diet therapy prescribed for stone prevention; Records of drug therapy (e.g., potassium citrate, thiazides, allopurinol); Procedure records showing frequency (lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, stent placement) with dates to establish 'more than two times per year'; Evidence of attacks of colic and their frequency; Documentation of infection/pyonephrosis if present; Lab and imaging evidence of impaired kidney function (creatinine, eGFR, BUN) for renal dysfunction rating.

How do I get the correct rating for kidney stones?

To be rated accurately: DC 7508 has only one listed disability level (10%). If severity exceeds that, the condition is rated as hydronephrosis under DC 7509 — do not assign a percentage under 7508 above 10%.; Under 7509, milder hydronephrosis (only an occasional attack of colic, not infected and not requiring catheter drainage) is rated 10%; moderate severity (frequent attacks of colic requiring catheter drainage) is 20%; and severe (frequent attacks of colic with infection/pyonephrosis and impaired kidney function) is 30%.; Severe hydronephrosis is rated as renal dysfunction — cross-reference the renal dysfunction criteria in 38 CFR 4.115a when kidney function is impaired.; Document whether procedures occurred 'more than two times per year' — this is the numeric threshold that distinguishes the 10% level..