VASRD 7500 · Genitourinary System
Kidney removal (nephrectomy) VA Disability Rating
This code covers surgical removal of one kidney. The schedule assigns a 30 percent minimum evaluation for the removal itself. If the remaining kidney has nephritis, infection, or other pathology, this same code is instead rated as renal dysfunction under § 4.115a, which is graded by glomerular filtration rate.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Kidney removal (nephrectomy)
DC 7500 has two routes. The first is the code's own single row: a 30 percent minimum evaluation for removal of one kidney. The second is the schedule's direction to "rate as renal dysfunction if there is nephritis, infection, or pathology of the other" — meaning the remaining kidney. The § 4.115a renal dysfunction table is graded by glomerular filtration rate (GFR), each band required for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months: GFR from 45 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 is 30 percent, 30 to 44 is 60 percent, 15 to 29 is 80 percent, and GFR less than 15 — or requiring regular routine dialysis, or being an eligible kidney transplant recipient — is 100 percent. That table's note accepts GFR, estimated GFR (eGFR), and creatinine-based approximations of GFR when determined to be appropriate and calculated by a medical professional. So the condition of the remaining kidney is what decides whether the evaluation stays at the 30 percent minimum or moves up the renal dysfunction table under this same code.
Approval outlook
82%
Veterans service-connected
~4,278 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~30%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •The surgical report documenting the nephrectomy.
- •Lab results (creatinine, GFR) showing the remaining kidney's current function.
- •A renal ultrasound assessing the remaining kidney's structure and health.
Strategy Tips
- •Get the condition of the remaining kidney documented specifically. Nephritis, infection, or pathology of the other kidney are the three findings the code names as the trigger for rating as renal dysfunction.
- •If the renal dysfunction route applies, the labs have to span time: each GFR band requires at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months, so one reading cannot establish a band.
- •A creatinine-based estimate is acceptable — the renal dysfunction note accepts GFR, eGFR and creatinine-based approximations of GFR when a medical professional determines them appropriate.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •No lab reports showing the current function of the remaining kidney, leaving the claim without confirmation of your present renal status.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Assuming impairment of the remaining kidney is rated under a different, more severe code. It is rated under this same code, as renal dysfunction under § 4.115a.
- •Submitting a single lab draw, when each band of the renal dysfunction table requires the value to hold for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months.
- •No proof of the nephrectomy itself in the evidence file.
Onset Patterns
- •Kidney removal is most often necessitated by trauma sustained during service or by a tumor requiring surgical treatment.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Kidney removal (nephrectomy). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Kidney removal (nephrectomy)
- Is Kidney removal (nephrectomy) a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Kidney removal (nephrectomy) under VASRD diagnostic code 7500 (Genitourinary System). This code covers surgical removal of one kidney. The schedule assigns a 30 percent minimum evaluation for the removal itself. If the remaining kidney has nephritis, infection, or other pathology, this same code is i…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Kidney removal (nephrectomy)?
- Possible VA ratings for Kidney removal (nephrectomy) are 100%, 80%, 60%, 30%. Examples: 100%: Remaining kidney failing, on dialysis, or transplant-eligible.; 80%: Remaining kidney diseased, with severely reduced filtering.; 60%: Remaining kidney diseased, with moderately to severely reduced filtering..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Kidney removal (nephrectomy)?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Kidney removal (nephrectomy) at around 30%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 4,278 veterans are service-connected for Kidney removal (nephrectomy). Estimated approval outlook: 82%.
- What evidence helps prove Kidney removal (nephrectomy) for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Kidney removal (nephrectomy) claim includes: The surgical report documenting the nephrectomy.; Lab results (creatinine, GFR) showing the remaining kidney's current function.; A renal ultrasound assessing the remaining kidney's structure and health..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Kidney removal (nephrectomy)?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Kidney removal (nephrectomy): Assuming impairment of the remaining kidney is rated under a different, more severe code. It is rated under this same code, as renal dysfunction under § 4.115a.; Submitting a single lab draw, when each band of the renal dysfunction table requires the value…
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Kidney removal (nephrectomy)?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Kidney removal (nephrectomy) include: Hypertension, Chronic kidney disease. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.115b — Schedule of ratings — genitourinary system (Diagnostic Code 7500)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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