Reference: 38 CFR 4.115a, DC 7500

What is the VA rating for Renal Disease?

The published Renal Disease schedule uses specific diagnostic codes.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

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Under 38 CFR 4.115a, VA evaluates Renal Disease based on renal dysfunction, primarily relying on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) over a consecutive 3-month period, requirement for dialysis, or kidney transplant eligibility.

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Review CFR CriteriaJump to the regulatory criteria section to evaluate the baseline requirements for this condition.Continue Percentage GuideSee the published percentage tiers and what changes between them.Continue Secondary ConditionsSee conditions commonly connected to this one in VA claims.Continue

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Overview

About this condition

Under 38 CFR 4.115a, VA evaluates Renal Disease based on renal dysfunction, primarily relying on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) over a consecutive 3-month period, requirement for dialysis, or kidney transplant eligibility.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.115a

This guide is educational only. RatingScope does not diagnose Renal Disease, cannot determine service connection, and does not predict a VA decision. Ratings depend strictly on medical laboratory results such as GFR.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.

100%

Highest listed pathway

GFR less than 15, requiring dialysis, or eligible for transplant.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient
Qualification explanation: This level applies for severe kidney disease requiring dialysis, eligibility for a transplant, or an extremely low GFR.
Medical evidence: Medical records showing GFR < 15 for 3 consecutive months; Documentation of regular routine dialysis or transplant eligibility

80%

Next: 100% requires GFR < 15, dialysis, or transplant eligibility.

GFR from 15 to 29.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months
Qualification explanation: Applies when GFR is between 15 and 29 for at least 3 consecutive months.
Medical evidence: Lab results showing GFR 15-29 over 3 consecutive months

60%

Next: 80% requires GFR below 30.

GFR from 30 to 44.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 30 to 44 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months
Qualification explanation: Applies when GFR is between 30 and 44 for at least 3 consecutive months.
Medical evidence: Lab results showing GFR 30-44 over 3 consecutive months

30%

Next: 60% requires GFR below 45.

GFR from 45 to 59.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 45 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months
Qualification explanation: Applies when GFR is between 45 and 59 for at least 3 consecutive months.
Medical evidence: Lab results showing GFR 45-59 over 3 consecutive months

0%

Next: 30% requires GFR to drop below 60.

GFR from 60 to 89 with specific structural or lab abnormalities.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: GFR from 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 and either recurrent RBC/WBC casts, granular casts, structural kidney abnormalities, or ACR =30 mg/g for at least 3 consecutive months
Qualification explanation: This is a non-compensable (0%) rating for mild kidney disease presenting with abnormal labs or structural issues but preserving a GFR of at least 60.
Medical evidence: Lab results showing GFR 60-89 over 3 consecutive months and structural/laboratory abnormalities

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

Medical Evidence 1

A confirmed medical diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease or Renal Disease.

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

Medical Evidence 2

Consecutive laboratory tests (at least 3 months apart within the past 12 months) measuring Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

Official VA Forms & DBQs

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Take the public DBQ to your private physician or review it prior to your C&P examination.

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Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Renal Disease

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Renal Disease yet.

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Evidence Center

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