Diagnostic Code 7501 · 38 CFR §4.115b
A kidney abscess (renal abscess) is a pocket of pus within or around the kidney caused by infection. This can result from untreated urinary tract infections, kidney stones complicated by infection, or bloodstream infections that seed the kidney. Veterans may develop kidney abscesses from infections acquired during deployment, delayed treatment of UTIs in field conditions, or as complications of service-connected kidney stones.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Resolved with no residual kidney damage. |
| 10% | Mild residuals — occasional symptoms or minor hypertension related to the abscess. |
| 30% | Constant albuminuria with some edema, OR definite decrease in kidney function, OR hypertension at least 10% disabling — rated under general renal dysfunction criteria when residuals warrant. |
| 60% | Constant albuminuria with edema and hypertension at least 40% disabling, OR significant kidney function loss attributable to abscess residuals. |
Imaging (CT scan, ultrasound) documenting the abscess provides the diagnosis. Culture results identifying the organism support the claim. Treatment records including antibiotics and any drainage procedures demonstrate severity. Post-treatment kidney function tests show residual damage. Service records connecting the infection to military service establish the nexus.
Yes. The infection can destroy kidney tissue, leaving permanent scarring that reduces kidney function. Even after the infection is treated, the structural damage remains. Get kidney function tested after recovery to document any lasting effects.
Surgical drainage indicates a severe abscess that did not respond to antibiotics alone. This supports a more significant claim because severe abscesses are more likely to cause permanent kidney damage. Include all surgical records in your claim.