VA Ratings for Kidney Disease

If you are a veteran with kidney disease, you should know how the VA determines your disability rating for this condition. Your VA ratings influence the benefits and payments you may be eligible for.

In this article, we'll provide you with all the information you need about VA ratings for kidney disease so you can maximize your benefits and avoid unnecessary hassles.

What is Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease, commonly known as renal disease, arises when the kidneys cannot filter waste and excess fluids from circulation. Excessive blood pressure, diabetes, infections, or genetic disorders may cause it. Chronic pain, exhaustion, and other symptoms of kidney disease may devastate a veteran's quality of life.

Types of VA Ratings for Kidney Disease:

The VA assigns a numerical rating to kidney disease based on several factors, including:

1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): CKD is a chronic disorder that progressively affects kidney function. The VA assigns a rating to CKD depending on how severely it affects the veteran's quality of life.
2. Nephrectomy: Nephrectomy involves kidney removal. This surgery may qualify veterans for VA benefits depending on their kidney loss and quality of life.
3. Renal Failure: Renal failure occurs when the kidneys cannot filter waste and poisons. The VA rates renal failure based on severity, dialysis or kidney transplant requirement, and limits.

VA Ratings Criteria for Kidney Disease:

The VA uses a rating schedule to determine percentages for veterans with kidney disease. Some instances include:

1. 30% Rating: Disability ratings of 30% may be granted to veterans with creatinine levels between 3.0 and 4.5 mg/dL or a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between 15 and 29 ml/min.
2. 60% Rating: Veterans who have received a kidney transplant or need dialysis daily are generally eligible for a 60% disability rating.
3. 100% Rating: Dialysis-dependent veterans with ESRD or problems after a kidney transplant may be eligible for a 100% disability rating.

Applying for VA Ratings:

Veterans with kidney disease may claim disability benefits by following these procedures:

1. Gather medical evidence: Collect medical records, test results, and supporting documents linking kidney disease to military service.
2. Submit a disability claim: Using VA Form 21-526EZ or eBenefits, file a VA claim. Include all required documentation and indicate how kidney disease affects your life.
3. Attend VA exams: A VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam may assess your kidney disease. Attend these exams and report accurate symptoms and restrictions.
4. Await the decision: The VA rates kidney disease based on your claim, medical evidence, and exam results. This will take some time, so we appreciate your patience.

Benefits of VA Ratings:

A VA rating for kidney disease may help veterans obtain numerous important benefits, such as:

1. Compensation: Higher-rated veterans get monthly disability compensation to lessen their kidney disease financial burden.
2. Healthcare: The VA provides comprehensive healthcare to eligible veterans, including kidney disease treatment, drugs, and care.
3. Vocational Rehabilitation: The VA helps veterans with kidney disease find jobs and learn new skills via vocational rehabilitation programs.
4. Dependents' Benefits: Service-connected kidney disease veterans get educational and healthcare benefits to support their families.