Reviewed by Jonathan Teplitsky · Updated June 2026
How does the VA rate kidney stones?
The VA rates kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) under 38 CFR Part 4, § 4.115b, Diagnostic Code 7508. Ratings range from 0% to 30%. DC 7508 tells the rater to use the hydronephrosis criteria in Diagnostic Code 7509 in most cases. The exception is the 30% rule: if you have recurrent stones that need diet therapy, drug therapy, or a procedure more than twice a year, the VA assigns 30%. A single stone you passed once, with no recurrence and no ongoing treatment, usually rates 0%.
Kidney stone VA rating percentages
Here is how the two diagnostic codes work together. DC 7508 sets the 30% recurrent-stone rule. When that rule does not apply, the VA rates your symptoms under DC 7509 (hydronephrosis).
| Rating | Code | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | DC 7508 | Recurrent stone formation requiring one or more of the following more than twice a year: diet therapy, drug therapy, or invasive or non-invasive procedures. |
| 30% | DC 7509 | Frequent attacks of colic with infection (pus in the urine) and impaired kidney function. |
| 20% | DC 7509 | Frequent attacks of colic that require catheter drainage. |
| 10% | DC 7509 | Only an occasional attack of colic, not infected, with no kidney function impairment. |
| 0% | DC 7508/7509 | A diagnosed stone that does not meet the 10% criteria. Often a single passed stone with no recurrence and no ongoing treatment. |
One detail trips up many veterans: the "more than twice a year" treatment threshold is often the swing factor between a 0% and a 30% rating. If you treated three or more stone episodes in a year, say so clearly in your records.
Evidence you need
Kidney stone claims are won on records. Gather these before you file:
- Imaging that shows stones, such as a CT scan or ultrasound.
- Urology or emergency room records for each stone episode.
- A log of how many episodes you had and how each was treated.
- Proof of treatment type: special diet, prescription drugs, or procedures like lithotripsy or stent placement.
If your stones are tied to another condition, add a nexus letter from a doctor that explains the link.
The 30% recurrent-stone rule
This is the highest schedular rating for kidney stones, and it has a clear test. You reach 30% under DC 7508 when you have recurrent stone formation that requires one or more of these treatments more than twice a year:
- Diet therapy (a doctor-directed diet to prevent stones).
- Drug therapy (prescription medication to prevent or dissolve stones).
- Invasive or non-invasive procedures, such as lithotripsy or ureteroscopy.
"More than twice a year" means three or more times in a 12-month span. Keep a simple record of each episode and the date. Vague notes like "frequent stones" are easy for a rater to discount.
Secondary service connection
Many veterans win kidney stone claims as a secondary condition. This means a service-connected condition or its treatment caused the stones.
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes and some diabetes drugs raise stone risk. If your diabetes is service-connected, you can file kidney stones as secondary with a supporting nexus.
Gulf War service
Heat and dehydration during deployment can cause stones. Kidney stones are not a named presumptive, but Gulf War veterans can still link them to service with medical evidence.
Medications
Some prescription drugs you take for a service-connected condition can cause stones. A doctor's statement that names the drug and the link can support the claim.
How to file and what to expect at the C&P exam
File your claim on VA Form 21-526EZ and attach your imaging, urology records, and episode log. The VA may schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. The examiner will review your records, ask about your symptoms, and complete a kidney-conditions worksheet. Be specific: how many episodes you had, how they were treated, and whether you have ongoing pain, infection, or reduced kidney function. You can estimate your combined rating with our VA disability rating calculator.
Common mistakes
- Filing after one passed stone with no recurrence, then being surprised by a 0% rating.
- Not counting episodes. The 30% rule turns on more than twice a year, so the count matters.
- Leaving out imaging. A CT or ultrasound that shows a stone is strong proof.
- Skipping the secondary link. If diabetes or a medication caused your stones, a nexus letter can change the outcome.