Body system: Genitourinary SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.115bDBQ: DBQ GU Kidney
Nephrolithiasis is the formation of stones in the kidneys; ureterolithiasis refers to stones that have moved into the ureter; nephrocalcinosis is diffuse calcium deposition throughout the kidney parenchyma. These conditions can produce renal colic, hematuria, infection, and obstruction. The VA rates DC 7508 with a unique 30% tier for veterans with RECURRENT stone formation requiring more than 2 procedures (invasive or non-invasive, such as ESWL or ureteroscopy) per year. Otherwise, the rating is taken from the hydronephrosis ladder (DC 7509) at 10%, 20%, or 30% based on the frequency and severity of colic episodes and whether infection or drainage is required.
Rating levels
- 30% — You qualify for 30% if you have recurrent kidney or ureteral stones that require more than 2 procedures per year to remove or break up. Procedures count whether invasive (ureteroscopy with stone extraction, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, open surgery) or non-invasive (extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy / ESWL). The cutoff is strict — 3 or more procedures in any 12-month period qualifies. This tier is unique to DC 7508; the hydronephrosis cross-reference below covers all other clinical pictures.
- 30% — You qualify for 30% under the hydronephrosis cross-reference if you have frequent attacks of renal colic AND infection of the obstructed collecting system (pyonephrosis — pus-filled hydronephrosis) AND impaired kidney function. All three findings must be present together. Pyonephrosis is a urological emergency requiring drainage; the chronic state with impaired function is the rating threshold.
- 20% — You qualify for 20% if you have frequent attacks of renal colic that require catheter drainage (ureteral stent placement or percutaneous nephrostomy). The 'frequent' threshold is not numerically defined in the CFR but typically means multiple episodes per year. Catheter drainage is the objective requirement.
- 10% — You qualify for 10% if you have only occasional attacks of renal colic that are not associated with infection and do not require catheter drainage. 'Occasional' generally means a handful of episodes that are manageable conservatively with analgesics, hydration, and observation.