VA Disability Rating for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Rated by lab values (creatinine, BUN) + symptoms. 30% / 60% / 80% / 100% tiers.
CKD (DC 7530-7532) is rated under the General Rating Formula for Renal Dysfunction in § 4.115a. The rating uses creatinine, BUN, edema, and dialysis status. Frequently secondary to service-connected hypertension or diabetes — file as secondary if applicable.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | $552.47 | Albumin constant or recurring with hyaline and granular casts or red blood cells; OR transient or slight edema or hypertension at least 10% disabling under DC 7101. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Constant albuminuria with some edema; OR definite decrease in kidney function; OR hypertension at least 40% disabling under DC 7101. |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | Persistent edema and albuminuria with BUN 40–80 mg%; OR creatinine 4–8 mg%; OR generalized poor health characterized by lethargy, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, or limitation of exertion. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Requiring regular dialysis; OR precluding more than sedentary activity from one of the following: persistent edema and albuminuria; OR BUN >80 mg%; OR creatinine >8 mg%; OR markedly decreased function of kidney or other organ systems, especially cardiovascular. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
- →At 80%: $2,102.15/mo · $25,226/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for chronic kidney disease (ckd)
- Lab work — creatinine, BUN, GFR — documents the rating tier directly.
- Nephrology evaluation.
- If on dialysis, automatic 100%.
- File secondary to service-connected hypertension or diabetes if applicable.
Common secondary conditions
- +Hypertension (often the cause AND secondary)
- +Anemia
- +Cardiac complications
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Camp Lejeune water contamination (1953–1987) is a recognized renal disease cause — file under Lejeune presumption.
- Secondary to service-connected diabetes or hypertension is often the cleanest path.
Frequently asked
I have CKD secondary to my service-connected diabetes. Do I file a new claim?
Yes — file as secondary service-connection (38 CFR § 3.310) tying the CKD to the SC diabetes. This is a well-recognized pathway and frequently granted.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.