Kidney, removal of one (DC 7500)

Body system: Genitourinary SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.115bDBQ: DBQ GU Kidney

DC 7500 covers veterans who have had one kidney surgically removed (nephrectomy), whether from injury, infection, tumor, donation, or other cause. The VA assigns a MINIMUM rating of 30% any time one kidney is gone, regardless of how well the remaining kidney functions — this baseline reflects the reduced physiologic reserve of having only one kidney. If the remaining kidney has nephritis, infection, or other pathology, the rating moves up to the renal dysfunction ladder (38 CFR § 4.115a): 60% at GFR 30-44, 80% at GFR 15-29, and 100% at GFR under 15 or dialysis/transplant. The 30% floor still applies; the renal dysfunction ladder simply allows higher ratings when the remaining kidney is damaged.

Rating levels

100% — You qualify for 100% if the kidney you still have is significantly damaged — Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) of less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m² sustained for at least 3 consecutive months in the past year, OR routine dialysis dependence, OR eligibility for a kidney transplant. This tier is only available when the remaining kidney has nephritis, infection, or other pathology; with a single normal-functioning kidney, the rating stays at the 30% minimum.
80% — You qualify for 80% if the kidney you still have has Stage 4 chronic kidney disease — GFR of 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m² sustained for at least 3 consecutive months in the past year. Available only when the remaining kidney has nephritis, infection, or other pathology.
60% — You qualify for 60% if the kidney you still have has Stage 3b chronic kidney disease — GFR of 30 to 44 mL/min/1.73 m² sustained for at least 3 consecutive months in the past year. Available only when the remaining kidney has nephritis, infection, or other pathology.
30% — You qualify for 30% as the MINIMUM rating any time one kidney has been surgically removed (nephrectomy) — regardless of how well the remaining kidney is functioning. If the kidney you still have has nephritis, infection, or other pathology including Stage 3a CKD (GFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m² sustained for at least 3 consecutive months in the past year), the rating is computed under the renal dysfunction ladder; at that GFR range, 30% remains the result. Higher GFR damage moves you up to 60%, 80%, or 100% under the renal dysfunction tiers above.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.