---
title: "DC 7509 - Hydronephrosis"
diagnostic_code: "7509"
body_system: "Genitourinary System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.115b"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/genitourinary/7509-hydronephrosis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.115b"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:51:34.152170Z"
---

# DC 7509 - Hydronephrosis

Rated under § 4.115b. Body system: Genitourinary System.

Severe; Rate as renal dysfunction.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 30% | Frequent attacks of colic with infection (pyonephrosis), kidney function impaired |
| 20% | Frequent attacks of colic, requiring catheter drainage |
| 10% | Only an occasional attack of colic, not infected and not requiring catheter drainage |

## Notes

- 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.

# Hydronephrosis (VA Diagnostic Code 7509)

*Genitourinary System · 38 CFR § 4.115b*

## Understanding Hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis is a condition affecting the **genitourinary system**. Under the VA rating schedule, it is evaluated using **Diagnostic Code 7509**, found in **38 CFR § 4.115b**.

In its severe form, hydronephrosis is **rated as renal dysfunction**. For other levels of severity, the VA uses the specific rating levels described below.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the frequency of attacks, whether infection is present, the degree of kidney function impairment, and whether catheter drainage is needed.

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **30%** | Frequent attacks of colic with infection (pyonephrosis), kidney function impaired |
| **20%** | Frequent attacks of colic, requiring catheter drainage |
| **10%** | Only an occasional attack of colic, not infected and not requiring catheter drainage |

**Severe cases:** When hydronephrosis is severe, it is rated as renal dysfunction rather than under the levels listed above.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating hydronephrosis, the VA considers factors such as:

- **How often attacks of colic occur** — occasional versus frequent
- **Whether infection is present** (pyonephrosis)
- **Whether kidney function is impaired**
- **Whether catheter drainage is required**
- **Overall severity** — severe cases are evaluated as renal dysfunction

## Additional Note

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 a 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 such entitlement.

---

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7509. It is provided for general educational purposes and describes the criteria the VA uses to evaluate this condition.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.115b