VA Diagnostic Code 7538Papillary necrosis
Rated under § 4.115b. No rating levels have been extracted for this code yet — use the official source.
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Summary
Rate as renal dysfunction.
What each rating requires
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This code has no itemised criteria in our copy of the schedule. Use the official source link for the controlling text.
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: When evaluating any claim involving loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs, refer to § 3.350 of this chapter to determine whether the veteran may be entitled to special monthly compensation. Footnotes in the schedule indicate conditions which potentially establish entitlement to special monthly compensation; however, there are other conditions in this section which under certain circumstances also establish entitlement to special monthly compensation.
Papillary Necrosis (Diagnostic Code 7538)
VA Disability Rating Schedule — Genitourinary System · 38 CFR § 4.115b
Understanding This Condition
Papillary necrosis is a genitourinary condition affecting the kidneys. The VA classifies it under the Genitourinary System in its rating schedule, using diagnostic code 7538.
How the VA Rates Papillary Necrosis
Under diagnostic code 7538, papillary necrosis is rated as renal dysfunction. This means the VA evaluates the condition based on the criteria used for renal (kidney) dysfunction rather than a standalone rating table specific to papillary necrosis.
What the VA Looks For
When rating this condition, the VA applies the criteria for renal dysfunction to determine the appropriate evaluation level.
Important Note on Special Monthly Compensation
- When evaluating any claim involving loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs, the VA refers to § 3.350 of this chapter to determine whether the veteran may be entitled to special monthly compensation. Footnotes in the schedule indicate conditions which potentially establish entitlement to special monthly compensation; however, there are other conditions in this section which under certain circumstances also establish entitlement to special monthly compensation.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.115b) and is provided for general reference. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts of each claim.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.115b, diagnostic code 7538. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
View official sourceHow to claim this
Knowing the criteria is the first half. Getting your file to show them is the second.
Find your level in the stack
Read each rung against what your medical records already say. The level your records document today is the one the VA can support today.
Name the gap
Look at the rung above yours and write down exactly what it asks for that your file does not show yet — a diagnosis, a measurement, a prescribed brace, a doctor’s opinion linking it to service.
Claim it by code
File under diagnostic code 7538 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Genitourinary System codes may cover your secondary conditions.
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