Chronic Pyelonephritis (Chronic Kidney Infection)

DC 7504Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7504

Chronic kidney infection causing flank pain, fever, and progressive kidney damage. Can result from recurrent UTIs, urinary obstruction, or vesicoureteral reflux.

Rating Levels

You have persistent edema and albuminuria, or your BUN is over 40mg% with markedly decreased renal function.

What the VA looks for

Persistent edema documented
Persistent albuminuria on lab work
BUN over 40mg% or markedly elevated creatinine
Markedly decreased renal function (very low GFR)
Generalized poor health with weight loss and limitation of exertion

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the connection between recurrent UTIs during service and chronic kidney infection — the medical records should show a clear progression from bladder infections to kidney infections.
⚠Not getting regular blood work showing kidney function (BUN, creatinine, GFR) — these lab values directly determine your rating level.
⚠Not connecting to urethral stricture or other service-connected urinary conditions — if your kidney infections result from another service-connected condition, file as secondary.
⚠Kidney infection can lead to chronic kidney disease — file for an increase when kidney function declines, as the rating may move from 30% to 60% or higher.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney and Urinary Tract Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

You have persistent edema and albuminuria, or your BUN is over 40mg% with markedly decreased renal function.

What the VA looks for

Persistent edema documented
Persistent albuminuria on lab work
BUN over 40mg% or markedly elevated creatinine
Markedly decreased renal function (very low GFR)
Generalized poor health with weight loss and limitation of exertion

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the connection between recurrent UTIs during service and chronic kidney infection — the medical records should show a clear progression from bladder infections to kidney infections.

⚠Not getting regular blood work showing kidney function (BUN, creatinine, GFR) — these lab values directly determine your rating level.

⚠Not connecting to urethral stricture or other service-connected urinary conditions — if your kidney infections result from another service-connected condition, file as secondary.

⚠Kidney infection can lead to chronic kidney disease — file for an increase when kidney function declines, as the rating may move from 30% to 60% or higher.