VA Disability Rating for Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma)
100% during active disease + 6 months. Camp Lejeune AND PACT Act presumptive.
Kidney cancer (DC 7528) is rated 100% during active malignancy and for 6 months post-treatment, then rerated by residuals (renal function loss, post-nephrectomy compensation). Camp Lejeune water-contamination presumptive AND PACT Act post-9/11 burn-pit presumptive.
Presumptive framework applies
Camp Lejeune presumptive (PACT Act Title VIII / 38 CFR § 3.320) for 30+ days at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River between 8/1/1953 and 12/31/1987. ALSO PACT Act presumptive for post-9/11 burn-pit / airborne-hazard exposure.
Check my presumptive eligibility →Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Active malignancy, OR within 6 months of treatment completion. |
| 0% | — | After 6 months: rerated by residuals (renal function under DC 7530-7532, post-nephrectomy considerations). |
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 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
- Pathology + treatment records.
- Camp Lejeune (1953–1987) qualifying service: file under presumption.
- PACT Act-qualifying post-9/11 service: file under presumption.
- Post-nephrectomy: monitor remaining kidney function carefully — CKD often follows.
Common secondary conditions
- +Chronic kidney disease
- +Hypertension
- +Depression
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Camp Lejeune is the most under-claimed presumption — many vets do not realize their late-onset cancer qualifies.
- Spouses/dependents of Lejeune-stationed vets also have separate care eligibility under the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program.
Frequently asked
I served at Camp Lejeune for 4 months in 1985. Is my kidney cancer presumptive?
Yes — the threshold is 30 cumulative days, not consecutive. 4 months easily meets the qualifying period. File under PACT Act Title VIII / 38 CFR § 3.320.
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.