38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.115
Nephritis Chronic
dc-7502-nephritis-chronic
Genitourinary
Diagnostic code
7502
Why your DC matters: DC 7502 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 7502 — Nephritis Chronic — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.115 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (7502) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7502”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 7502 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 7502 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7502 (chronic nephritis) directs evaluation as renal dysfunction per § 4.115a — the same umbrella formula that governs DC 7530 (dialysis) and DC 7541 (diabetic nephropathy). The chronic-nephritis lane catches glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, post-infectious nephritis, and other chronic inflammatory kidney diseases. Most veterans rated under DC 7502 sit at 30-60% because labs show albuminuria + early HTN, but progression to ESRD is common — when CKD reaches stage 5 / dialysis, the rating ladder reaches 100% and switches to DC 7530 mechanics with HTN/cardiac stacking. The tactical play is (1) tracking serial labs to support the highest tier supportable by current renal function, and (2) preparing the file for the DC 7530 transition if progression is on the horizon.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Renal dysfunction requiring regular dialysis, OR precluding more than sedentary activity from persistent edema + albuminuria; BUN > 80 mg%; creatinine > 8 mg%; or markedly decreased function of kidney or other organ systems. | Dialysis records (transition to DC 7530), OR labs in stated ranges + nephrology functional assessment. |
| 80% | Persistent edema + albuminuria with BUN 40-80 mg%; or creatinine 4-8 mg%; or generalized poor health (lethargy, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, limitation of exertion). | Serial CMP showing BUN/creatinine in range; weight loss documentation; nephrology assessment of functional capacity. |
| 60% | Constant albuminuria with some edema; or definite decrease in kidney function; or hypertension at least 40% disabling under DC 7101. | 24-hour urine protein quantification; eGFR < 60 sustained; BP log supporting DC 7101 at 40% tier. |
| 30% | Albumin constant or recurring with hyaline / granular casts or red blood cells; or transient/slight edema; or hypertension at least 10% disabling under DC 7101. | Urinalysis with microscopy showing casts/RBCs; BP log; physical exam noting edema. |
| 0% | Albumin and casts with history of acute nephritis; or hypertension noncompensable under DC 7101. | History of acute nephritis episode; baseline labs; BP not requiring medication. |
What Qualifies as 'Chronic Nephritis' Under DC 7502?
Chronic inflammatory kidney disease
Glomerulonephritis (focal, membranous, membranoproliferative), IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, post-infectious nephritis, or other chronic inflammatory renal pathology. Excludes diabetic nephropathy (DC 7541) and chronic renal disease from other causes (rated under appropriate DC).
Rated as renal dysfunction per § 4.115a
DC 7502 directs evaluation under the renal dysfunction formula. Tiers 0/30/60/80/100% based on labs, urinalysis findings, blood pressure, and functional impact.
Path to 100% via dialysis transition
When chronic nephritis progresses to ESRD requiring dialysis, the rating shifts to DC 7530 (with separate HTN/cardiac stacking authorized).
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Constant albuminuria with some edema OR definite decrease in kidney function OR HTN ≥ 40%”
60% gate — disjunctive (OR). Any ONE element triggers 60%. Definite decrease in kidney function (eGFR < 60, or rising creatinine trend) is often the path; albuminuria + edema is the alternate path. Pull 24-hour urine protein for objective albuminuria quantification.
“Albumin constant or recurring with hyaline / granular casts or red blood cells”
30% gate. Urinalysis with microscopy must be in chart — most veterans only have dipstick. Demand microscopy at the next nephrology visit.
“Hypertension at least 10% / 40% disabling under DC 7101”
HTN is referenced WITHIN the DC 7502 ladder (as one path to 30% or 60%), but DOES NOT separately rate unless on dialysis. Once dialysis starts, switch to DC 7530 and HTN stacks separately.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Nephrology diagnosis (biopsy or clinical)
CRITICALGlomerulonephritis (focal, membranous, IgA), lupus nephritis, post-infectious, etc. Biopsy report if available — definitive.
Serial CMP / BMP (12-month trend)
CRITICALBUN, creatinine, eGFR. Anchors every tier. Trend matters more than single value.
24-hour urine protein quantification
CRITICALObjective albuminuria. Distinguishes 'constant' (>3.5g/24h = nephrotic) from 'transient' (<300 mg/24h). Drives 30 vs 60% gate.
Urinalysis with microscopy
CRITICALCasts (hyaline, granular, RBC, WBC) — required for 30% tier. Most veterans only have dipstick. Demand microscopy.
BP log (3-6 months)
IMPORTANTDC 7101 tier matters for both the 7502 ladder and any future DC 7530 stacking.
Functional status assessment
IMPORTANTFatigue, exercise tolerance, lower extremity edema — supports 60-80-100% paths.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring 12-month CMP/BMP trend printed
Serial labs anchor every tier. eGFR trajectory matters.
Bring 24-hour urine protein result
Quantifies albuminuria objectively. If you don't have one, ask nephrology to order before the exam.
Document medication list including ACE inhibitors / ARBs
Renoprotective therapy. Anchors the chronic management profile.
Don't let dipstick replace microscopy
30% tier requires casts on microscopy. Dipstick alone misses this. Demand microscopy at every UA.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Accepting 0% when albuminuria + casts are present
30% requires constant/recurring albuminuria + casts or RBCs. If your UA shows this, push for 30%.
Not pursuing the 'definite decrease in kidney function' path to 60%
eGFR < 60 sustained = definite decrease. Many veterans with CKD stage 3 are rated 30% when 60% applies via the kidney function path.
Not preparing for DC 7530 transition
When dialysis becomes inevitable, the rating shifts to DC 7530 with separate HTN/cardiac stacking. Build the comorbidity file BEFORE the transition.
Confusing with DC 7541 (diabetic nephropathy)
DC 7541 is specific to diabetic kidney disease (rated as renal dysfunction). DC 7502 covers other chronic nephritides (glomerulonephritis, IgA, lupus). Different etiology, same renal dysfunction formula.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Get 24-hour urine protein for objective albuminuria
Spot UA protein is qualitative. 24-hour urine protein quantifies it — drives 30 vs 60% tier. < 300 mg/24h = transient/slight. 300 mg - 3.5g = constant. > 3.5g = nephrotic-range (60%+ path). Most nephrologists order this routinely — make sure it's in the chart.
⚡ Use the 'definite decrease in kidney function' path to 60%
60% gate has three OR paths: constant albuminuria + edema, definite decrease in function, or HTN ≥ 40%. The kidney function path is the cleanest — eGFR < 60 sustained, or rising creatinine trend, qualifies. Often easier to document than nephrotic-range albuminuria.
⚡ Build the comorbidity file BEFORE dialysis transition
When CKD progresses to ESRD requiring dialysis, the rating shifts from DC 7502 to DC 7530 and HTN/cardiac DCs separately stack. Get the HTN documented as DC 7101 NOW (separate claim), document any cardiac disease, and prepare the SMC L analysis.
⚡ Audit for IgA / lupus / membranous etiology
Different etiologies have different progression curves and treatment implications, but ALL rate under DC 7502. Make sure biopsy results are in the file — they validate the chronic nephritis diagnosis and prevent rater confusion with 'transient nephritis' (lower tier).
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Hypertension (cause AND consequence)
STRONGDC 7101
HTN is referenced within the 7502 ladder. Once on dialysis (transitions to DC 7530), HTN separately rates.
Anemia of CKD
MODERATEDC 7720
Erythropoietin deficiency from advanced CKD. If on epoetin therapy, file iron deficiency or hemolytic anemia secondary.
Depression secondary to chronic illness
MODERATEDC 9434
Chronic kidney disease with progressive functional decline has well-documented depression comorbidity.
Coronary artery disease
MODERATEDC 7005
CKD doubles cardiovascular risk. If cardiac disease develops, secondary pathway via CKD-cardiovascular interaction.
Peripheral neuropathy (uremic)
SITUATIONALDC 8520 / 8620
Advanced CKD (stage 4-5) causes uremic neuropathy. Bilateral symmetric distal sensory > motor.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
0% — single, no dependents
TOTAL
$0.00/mo
Albumin + casts with history of acute nephritis only.
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Constant albuminuria + casts.
60% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,435.02
TOTAL
$1,435.02/mo
eGFR < 60 sustained (definite decrease in kidney function).
80% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$2,102.15
TOTAL
$2,102.15/mo
BUN 40-80 mg% or creatinine 4-8 mg%.
100% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
Dialysis (transition to DC 7530) or BUN > 80 / creatinine > 8 / sedentary-restricted.
60% DC 7502 + 30% DC 7101 HTN + 20% diabetes
Base rating
$2,102.15
TOTAL
$2,102.15/mo
Pre-dialysis CKD with stacking — combined ~78% rounds to 80%.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
↔️What's the difference between DC 7502 and DC 7541?
DC 7502 = chronic nephritis (glomerulonephritis, IgA, lupus, post-infectious — non-diabetic etiology). DC 7541 = renal involvement in diabetes mellitus (diabetic nephropathy). Both rate under § 4.115a renal dysfunction formula, but the etiology drives which DC. Diabetic kidney disease ALWAYS goes to DC 7541, not 7502.
🧪What is 'constant' vs 'recurring' albuminuria?
Constant = persistently positive on serial UAs over weeks/months. Recurring = positive intermittently, returning periodically. Both qualify for the 30% tier per the schedule.
📉What is 'definite decrease in kidney function'?
Objective eGFR reduction sustained over time — typically eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m² for ≥ 3 months (CKD stage 3+). Single low value doesn't qualify; the trend over multiple lab draws does.
🔁When does DC 7502 transition to DC 7530?
When ESRD requires regular dialysis. At that point, the renal rating moves to DC 7530 (100% automatic) AND coexisting hypertension / heart disease become separately rated per § 4.115b. Plan the transition deliberately.
How to File Your Claim
Pull nephrology records + biopsy report if available
Establishes etiology (glomerulonephritis subtype, IgA, lupus, etc.) and chronicity.
Order 24-hour urine protein and serial CMP
Objective albuminuria quantification + eGFR trend. Drives every tier gate.
Demand microscopy on UA, not just dipstick
30% tier requires casts. Without microscopy, the chart doesn't support 30%.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'chronic nephritis (DC 7502)'
Note etiology subtype if known (e.g., IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis).
Build comorbidity file for HTN, cardiac, depression secondaries
Prepare for DC 7530 dialysis transition if progressing — HTN and cardiac stacking authorized only at that point.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
60% gate has 3 OR paths
Constant albuminuria + edema, OR definite decrease in kidney function (eGFR < 60), OR HTN ≥ 40%. Any one qualifies. Pick the easiest to document.
Plan the DC 7530 transition
Progressing to ESRD/dialysis triggers a switch to DC 7530 with separate HTN/cardiac stacking. Build the comorbidity file BEFORE you need it.
Microscopy beats dipstick
30% requires casts on UA microscopy. Dipstick alone misses this. Demand microscopy at every visit.
Not DC 7541 (diabetic) territory
If your kidney disease is from diabetes, file under DC 7541. DC 7502 is for non-diabetic chronic nephritis only.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DC 7502 cover diabetic kidney disease?
No — diabetic nephropathy rates under DC 7541, not 7502. DC 7502 covers chronic nephritis from glomerulonephritis (focal, membranous), IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, and post-infectious nephritis. Both rate under § 4.115a renal dysfunction formula.
What's the difference between 'transient/slight edema' and 'persistent edema'?
Transient/slight (30% tier) = intermittent or mild lower extremity edema. Persistent (60-80% tiers) = constant or recurring + functional impact. Document the duration and severity in the nephrology chart.
Can I reach 100% under DC 7502 without dialysis?
Yes — the alternate 100% path is BUN > 80 mg% OR creatinine > 8 mg% OR persistent edema + albuminuria precluding more than sedentary activity. CKD stage 5 pre-dialysis sometimes qualifies.
When does my rating switch to DC 7530?
When you start regular dialysis. At that point, the rating shifts to DC 7530 (100% automatic) AND coexisting hypertension / heart disease become separately rated per § 4.115b — even though they were absorbed under DC 7502.
Does the IgA nephropathy presentation matter for rating?
Etiology subtypes (IgA, membranous, focal segmental, lupus) don't change the rating formula — all rate under § 4.115a renal dysfunction. But subtype matters for progression risk and treatment, which affect supporting evidence (biopsy, immunosuppressive Rx).
Official Regulatory Source
Chronic nephritis is rated under 38 CFR § 4.115b, DC 7502 — referencing the renal dysfunction formula in § 4.115a.
38 CFR § 4.115b — Genitourinary Diagnoses (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 7502. Cross-reference § 4.115a for tier criteria. § 4.115 (Nephritis) provides additional separately-rated rule for nephritis + heart disease.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7502, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7502 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.