---
title: "DC 7538 - Papillary necrosis"
diagnostic_code: "7538"
body_system: "Genitourinary System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.115b"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/genitourinary/7538-papillary-necrosis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.115b"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:58:49.674421Z"
---

# DC 7538 - Papillary necrosis

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

Rate as renal dysfunction.

## Rating criteria

No itemised criteria have been extracted for this code. Use the official source.

## 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.

# 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.*

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