Benign neoplasms of the genitourinary system (DC 7529)

Body system: Genitourinary SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.115b

DC 7529 covers benign tumors and masses of the genitourinary system — kidney (renal cell adenoma, angiomyolipoma), bladder (papilloma), prostate (excluded as BPH is rated under DC 7527), urethra, ureter, and other benign GU growths. These can produce obstruction, infection, kidney damage, or urinary symptoms depending on location and size. The VA does not maintain a separate ladder for benign GU neoplasms. Instead, 38 CFR § 4.115a directs raters to evaluate this condition under whichever ladder produces the higher result when applied to the predominant residual symptom: voiding dysfunction (0-60%, three sub-formulas) when urinary symptoms dominate, or renal dysfunction (0/30/60/80/100%) when kidney function damage dominates.

Rating levels

  • 100% — You qualify for 100% if the benign neoplasm has caused end-stage renal disease — GFR under 15 mL/min/1.73 m² sustained for 3+ consecutive months, OR routine dialysis dependence, OR transplant eligibility. The voiding dysfunction ladder does not reach 100%; this tier is renal-only.
  • 80% — You qualify for 80% if the benign neoplasm has caused Stage 4 chronic kidney disease — GFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m² sustained for 3+ consecutive months. The voiding dysfunction ladder does not reach 80%; this tier is renal-only.
  • 60% — You qualify for 60% if EITHER (a) the benign neoplasm has caused Stage 3b CKD (GFR 30-44 for 3+ consecutive months) OR (b) the neoplasm causes urine leakage requiring a collection appliance or absorbent materials changed more than 4 times per day. Pick whichever ladder matches the predominant symptom.
  • 40% — You qualify for 40% under the voiding dysfunction ladder if EITHER (a) you wear absorbent materials and change them 2 to 4 times per day OR (b) you urinate more than once per hour during the day or wake 5+ times per night. No renal-dysfunction tier at 40%.
  • 30% — You qualify for 30% if EITHER (a) Stage 3a CKD (GFR 45-59 for 3+ consecutive months) OR (b) urinary retention requiring intermittent self-catheterization or continuous indwelling catheter. Pick whichever ladder matches the predominant symptom.
  • 20% — You qualify for 20% under the voiding dysfunction ladder if EITHER (a) you wear absorbent materials and change them fewer than 2 times per day OR (b) daytime voiding interval is 1-2 hours OR 3-4 nocturnal voids. No renal-dysfunction tier at 20%.
  • 10% — You qualify for 10% under the voiding dysfunction ladder if EITHER (a) daytime intervals of 2-3 hours OR 2 nocturnal voids OR (b) marked obstructive symptoms PLUS one objective finding (PVR > 150 cc, peak flow < 10 cc/sec, recurrent UTIs, or strictures requiring dilation every 2-3 months). No renal-dysfunction tier at 10%.
  • 0% — You qualify for 0% if EITHER (a) Stage 2 CKD (GFR 60-89) plus a renal-dysfunction marker (casts, structural abnormalities, ACR ≥ 30 mg/g) sustained for 3+ consecutive months OR (b) obstructive voiding symptoms with mild stricture dilation 1-2 times per year. Recognized as service-connected but not currently producing compensable disability.

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.