Kidney disease is a serious condition, and if you served in the military, you could be eligible for compensation from the VA. This post explains more about the VA rating for kidney disease.
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By the time you were diagnosed with kidney disease, it was already causing you problems. Your extremities swell, and it seems like you’re always tired and sore. Now you’re trying to cope with the symptoms and working with your doctor to stop the disease’s progression. But have you considered that the kidney disease may be related to your military service? Veterans are prone to kidney disease, making it essential to understand the VA rating for the condition.
In this article about the VA rating for kidney disease:
Kidney disease in veterans
Your kidneys (located on either side of your lower spine) remove waste, toxins, and unneeded fluids from your body. Kidney disease means your kidneys aren’t working properly to remove this waste, allowing toxins to accumulate in your body.
People often don’t have symptoms of kidney disease in its early stages. However, when kidney disease becomes chronic, symptoms may include:
- Swelling of the hands, legs, and feet
- Anemia
- Increased infections
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent need to urinate or blood in urine
- Insomnia
- Muscle cramps
- Loss of appetite
About 37 million Americans are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Veterans have higher rates of kidney disease than the general population.
People with diabetes or high blood pressure are at increased risk for kidney disease.
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R.C., a Navy veteran in Hawaii
VA C&P exam for kidney disease
To receive a disability rating for kidney disease, you’ll likely undergo a C&P exam.
At your appointment, your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history. They’ll want to know what symptoms you’re experiencing and how long you’ve had them. They’ll also likely ask questions about your military service. Then, they’ll likely run tests to determine the issue.
Two tests are generally used to check for kidney disease: a blood test and a urine test.
The blood test checks your glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is how well your kidneys are filtering out waste. The GFR ratings are:
- Normal: 60 or higher
- Concern for kidney disease: Below 60
- Concern for kidney failure: 15 or lower
The urine test checks for albumin, a protein that’s found in urine when the kidneys are damaged. An albumin level below 30 is normal, but higher than that may mean kidney disease.
When preparing for your C&P exam, it’s a good idea to jot down a list of the symptoms you’re experiencing. It can be difficult to remember every incident that has happened when you’re sitting in the exam room.
It’s also a good idea to write down your complete medical history so you can discuss it with your doctor. You also need to bring a list of supplements, vitamins, and medications you’re currently on. If you have any questions, be sure to make a list of them to ask your doctor during the appointment.
Stages of kidney disease
Kidney disease is diagnosed in stages that represent the level of severity of the disease. The stages are:
- Stage 1. The kidneys are still working well but show signs of mild damage.
- Stage 2. The kidneys are still working well but show signs of more significant damage, even though it’s still considered mild.
- Stage 3. The kidneys show mild to moderate damage and aren’t working as well as they should.
- Stage 4. Severe kidney damage and the kidneys are close to failing.
- Stage 5. The kidneys are severely damaged and are either close to failing or have already failed.
The level of damage is based on symptoms and GFR results. There is no cure for kidney disease, although managing the causes can stop the progress in the early stages. In late stages, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary. The goal is to stop the kidney damage from progressing as soon as it’s discovered.
VA disability rating for kidney disease
The VA rates kidney disease in the Schedule of Ratings under genitourinary system dysfunctions. The rating criteria are as follows:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | 100% | $3,831.30 |
| Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months | 80% | $2,044.89 |
| Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 30 to 44 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months | 60% | $1,395.93 |
| Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 45 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months | 30% | $537.42 |
| GFR from 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 and either recurrent red blood cell (RBC) casts, white blood cell (WBC) casts, or granular casts for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or GFR from 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 and structural kidney abnormalities (cystic, obstructive, or glomerular) for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or GFR from 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/g for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months | 0% | None |
Kidney disease and secondary conditions
When the kidneys don’t function properly to remove waste and toxins from your body, it can cause other health conditions. Various conditions may be secondary to kidney disease. These conditions include:
- Gout. Too much acid in your blood as a result of the kidneys not working properly can cause this condition.
- Anemia. Because the kidneys aren’t working properly, you may not get enough iron in your blood.
- Heart Disease. Kidney disease causes your heart to have to pump harder to get blood to your kidneys, which may cause heart disease. Heart disease also can cause kidney disease.
- Hypertension or High Blood Pressure. This is the result of the kidneys not properly removing toxins from your blood. Like heart disease, hypertension can be both a cause and an effect of kidney disease.
- Pruritis or Itchy Skin. This severe itching tends to happen in the later stages of kidney disease or when people are having dialysis.
- Hyperparathyroidism. This is the result of not having the right vitamin balance in your blood because of kidney disease.
If you experience these or other conditions that you think are related to kidney disease, you may also be able to service connect these conditions.
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TDIU for kidney disease
A veteran can be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) benefits if they can’t maintain substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected conditions.
It may be difficult for a person with kidney disease to work because of extreme fatigue and overall weakness in their body. It’s difficult for them to concentrate or engage with others, especially for long periods. They also often are unable to lift, climb, pull, or push. These limitations are exacerbated if the person is undergoing dialysis and also has to work those appointments into their schedule and cope with any related symptoms.
TDIU pays at the same level as a 100% disability rating, even when the veteran’s combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
How Woods and Woods can help
If you have a service-connected condition that affects your ability to live and work comfortably, you deserve VA disability compensation. Contact Woods and Woods today for a free consultation to see how we can help. You only pay us if we win.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can receive VA disability for kidney disease. The VA rates kidney disease based on how progressed the condition is.
It could be. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can make you more prone to developing kidney disease. Kidney disease also can cause hypertension. That’s why it’s essential to discuss all of your symptoms and medical concerns with your physician.
Neil Woods
VA disability lawyer
Woods and Woods
VA Accreditation Number: 44739
