Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer)

DC 7528Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7528

Cancer that starts in the kidney. The VA assigns a mandatory 100% rating during active treatment. After treatment ends, the rating is re-evaluated based on residual kidney function and any remaining symptoms.

Rating Levels

You are undergoing active treatment for kidney cancer — surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy. The VA assigns a mandatory 100% rating during active malignancy. Re-evaluation occurs 6 months after treatment ends. Also rated at 100% if you require dialysis or have markedly decreased kidney function.

What the VA looks for

Active kidney cancer diagnosis (pathology report)
Undergoing surgery (nephrectomy), radiation, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy
Oncology treatment records
Imaging confirming malignancy
Or: regular dialysis required, markedly decreased kidney function

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing immediately upon diagnosis — the 100% rating during active treatment starts from the date of claim, so file as soon as possible after you are diagnosed.
⚠Not documenting all residual symptoms after surgery — partial or full kidney removal often causes reduced kidney function, hypertension, and chronic pain that are each separately ratable.
⚠Not requesting a delay of the post-treatment C&P exam if your kidney function has not stabilized — you can ask for re-evaluation once the full extent of residuals is known.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by treatment — chronic kidney disease from having one kidney removed, hypertension, fatigue, and depression related to cancer treatment should each be claimed.
⚠Not keeping up with surveillance imaging and lab work — regular follow-up records documenting your kidney function and cancer status are essential for maintaining your rating and filing for increases if function declines.

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…

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Active kidney cancer diagnosis (pathology report)
Undergoing surgery (nephrectomy), radiation, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy
Oncology treatment records
Imaging confirming malignancy
Or: regular dialysis required, markedly decreased kidney function

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing immediately upon diagnosis — the 100% rating during active treatment starts from the date of claim, so file as soon as possible after you are diagnosed.

⚠Not documenting all residual symptoms after surgery — partial or full kidney removal often causes reduced kidney function, hypertension, and chronic pain that are each separately ratable.

⚠Not requesting a delay of the post-treatment C&P exam if your kidney function has not stabilized — you can ask for re-evaluation once the full extent of residuals is known.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by treatment — chronic kidney disease from having one kidney removed, hypertension, fatigue, and depression related to cancer treatment should each be claimed.

⚠Not keeping up with surveillance imaging and lab work — regular follow-up records documenting your kidney function and cancer status are essential for maintaining your rating and filing for increases if function declines.