Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)

DC 7508Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7508

Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. The VA rates kidney stones based on whether they recur and whether they require specific treatments or cause complications.

Rating Levels

Your kidney stones cause frequent attacks of colic with infection (pyonephrosis) and impaired kidney function.

What the VA looks for

Frequent attacks with infection
Pyonephrosis documented
Impaired kidney function on lab work
Elevated creatinine or decreased eGFR

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every episode of kidney stone passage or colic pain, including emergency room visits — the rating depends on attack frequency.
⚠Not getting regular imaging to show recurrent stone formation, even when you are between episodes.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like urinary tract infections, chronic kidney disease, or hypertension that may develop from repeated kidney stone episodes.
⚠Not keeping records of all treatments including dietary modifications, medications, and procedures (lithotripsy, stent placement) — each procedure counts toward the frequency threshold.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney Conditions (Nephrology)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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