Diagnostic Code 7500 · 38 CFR §4.115b
DC 7500 covers the surgical removal of one kidney (nephrectomy). Veterans may require kidney removal due to trauma during service, kidney cancer, severe infections, or other conditions that destroy kidney function. After removal, the remaining kidney takes over all filtering work, but the veteran has no backup if that kidney develops problems. The VA provides a minimum 30% rating for single kidney loss. If the remaining kidney has nephritis, infection, or other pathology, the condition is rated under the renal dysfunction criteria, which can yield higher ratings.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | GFR between 60 and 89 in the remaining kidney with abnormal urine findings sustained for at least three consecutive months, indicating early signs of dysfunction. |
| 30% | The minimum rating after nephrectomy when the remaining kidney functions normally. Also assigned when the remaining kidney shows GFR between 45 and 59 sustained for three consecutive months. |
| 60% | GFR between 30 and 44 in the remaining kidney sustained for three consecutive months, indicating significant renal dysfunction. |
| 80% | GFR between 15 and 29 in the remaining kidney sustained for three consecutive months, indicating severe dysfunction approaching the need for dialysis. |
| 100% | GFR below 15 sustained for three consecutive months, or requiring regular dialysis, or eligible kidney transplant recipient. |
The operative report documenting the nephrectomy is the primary evidence. Pathology results explain why the kidney was removed. Current kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine, GFR, urinalysis) show how the remaining kidney is performing. Service treatment records connecting the kidney loss to a service event establish the nexus. If the kidney was removed due to trauma, the incident records are important.
The minimum rating is 30% if the remaining kidney functions normally. This is a guaranteed floor — you cannot receive less than 30% for documented loss of one kidney. If the remaining kidney shows any decreased function, the rating goes higher.
Loss of one kidney may qualify for special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 USC 1114(k) for loss of a creative organ, depending on the specific circumstances. Discuss this with your veterans service representative when filing.