How VA Rates Kidney Stones: DC 7508 Nephrolithiasis and Surgery Criteria

DC 7508 rates kidney stones as hydronephrosis under DC 7509: 10% for occasional colic without infection or catheter drainage; 20% for frequent colic requiring catheter drainage; and 30% for frequent colic with infection and impaired kidney function. Severe hydronephrosis is rated as renal dysfunction. The exception is recurrent stone formation requiring invasive or non-invasive procedures more than two times a year, which is rated at 30%.

The VA distinguishes between asymptomatic stones detected on routine imaging and active kidney colic. Renal colic involves severe spasmodic flank and abdominal pain caused by stones passing through the ureter, often accompanied by hematuria (blood in urine), nausea, and emergency room visits. Records of colic episodes, catheter drainage, infection, and procedures relate to the DC 7509 and DC 7508 criteria described above. VA decides the rating.

Under DC 7508, recurrent stone formation requiring invasive or non-invasive procedures more than two times a year is rated at 30%. VA decides which criteria apply.

Kidney stones are frequently linked to military service through severe dehydration in desert deployments, extreme physical exertion, heat stress, or water contamination. Additionally, kidney stones can be service-connected secondary to gout (uric acid stones) or hyperparathyroidism.

Strong claims include a Kidney Conditions DBQ, CT scans or renal ultrasounds documenting stone location and size, hospital emergency discharge summaries for renal colic attacks, operative reports for stone removal or lithotripsy, and nephrology records detailing dietary and prescription protocols.