VASRD 7508 · Genitourinary System
Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) VA Disability Rating
Formation of stones in the kidney causing pain and urinary problems.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
DC 7508's row reads "Rate as hydronephrosis, except for recurrent stone formation requiring invasive or non-invasive procedures more than two times/year", which is 30 percent. The exception is the code's own and it counts procedures: recurrent stone formation requiring invasive or non-invasive procedures more than two times per year is 30 percent. Outside that exception the evaluation comes from DC 7509's rows — only an occasional attack of colic, not infected and not requiring catheter drainage, is 10 percent; frequent attacks of colic requiring catheter drainage is 20 percent; and frequent attacks of colic with infection (pyonephrosis) and kidney function impaired is 30 percent. Diet therapy and drug therapy are not elements of the current code; the counted item is procedures.
Approval outlook
High
Veterans service-connected
~5,200 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
- •Dated procedure reports for every invasive or non-invasive procedure performed for stones, since the code's exception turns on more than two within a year.
- •Emergency department and clinic records for each attack of colic, stating whether infection was present and whether catheter drainage was required.
- •Imaging confirming stone formation and its recurrence.
- •Laboratory evidence of kidney function where infected attacks have occurred, which the 30 percent hydronephrosis row names.
Strategy Tips
- •Count and date the procedures. The code's own 30 percent exception is set at more than two invasive or non-invasive procedures within a year, so each one has to appear in the record with its date and with a note of whether it was invasive or non-invasive.
- •Have each attack of colic recorded, including whether infection was present and whether catheter drainage was required. Those two facts move the case between the 10, 20 and 30 percent rows borrowed from hydronephrosis.
- •Where infected attacks have occurred, get kidney function documented alongside them, since the 30 percent hydronephrosis row requires colic with infection (pyonephrosis) and impaired kidney function together.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Not linking reported pain to specific documented stone events, which can leave the claim without clear evidence of frequency.
- •Missing treatment history that would otherwise show ongoing management.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •No proof of recurrence, since a single stone event years ago typically supports only the lowest tier.
- •Lack of imaging confirming the diagnosis and its recurring nature.
Onset Patterns
- •Kidney stones typically cause sudden onset pain, and the condition often recurs, with veterans experiencing repeat episodes over months or years.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Hydronephrosis
UTIs
Renal failure
Common questions about Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Is Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) under VASRD diagnostic code 7508 (Genitourinary System). Formation of stones in the kidney causing pain and urinary problems.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)?
- Possible VA ratings for Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) are 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 30%: More than two stone procedures a year, or colic with infection.; 20%: Frequent colic needing catheter drainage.; 10%: Occasional colic, no infection or drainage..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) at around 30%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 5,200 veterans are service-connected for Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones). Estimated approval outlook: High.
- What evidence helps prove Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) claim includes: Dated procedure reports for every invasive or non-invasive procedure performed for stones, since the code's exception turns on more than two within a year.; Emergency department and clinic records for each attack of colic, stating whether infection…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones): No proof of recurrence, since a single stone event years ago typically supports only the lowest tier.; Lack of imaging confirming the diagnosis and its recurring nature..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) include: Hydronephrosis, UTIs, Renal failure. 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 7508)
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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