---
title: "DC 7541 - Renal involvement in diabetes mellitus type I or II"
diagnostic_code: "7541"
body_system: "Genitourinary System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.115b"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/genitourinary/7541-renal-involvement-in-diabetes-mellitus-type-i-or-ii"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.115b"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:59:48.997963Z"
---

# DC 7541 - Renal involvement in diabetes mellitus type I or II

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.

# Renal Involvement in Diabetes Mellitus (Type I or II) — VA Diagnostic Code 7541

*Genitourinary System · 38 CFR § 4.115b*

## Understanding This Condition

Diabetes mellitus (Type I or Type II) can affect the kidneys over time. When a veteran's diabetes leads to kidney (renal) complications, the VA evaluates that impairment under **Diagnostic Code 7541**, found in **§ 4.115b** of the rating schedule.

## How the VA Rates It

Under Diagnostic Code 7541, renal involvement in diabetes is **rated as renal dysfunction**. In other words, rather than using a separate set of criteria, the VA applies the rating framework for renal dysfunction to determine the level of impairment associated with the diabetic kidney involvement.

## What the VA Looks For

- **The renal (kidney) impairment itself.** Because this condition is rated as renal dysfunction, the VA's evaluation focuses on the degree of kidney dysfunction present.
- **Possible entitlement to Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).** Per the note accompanying this section, when a claim involves loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs, the VA refers to **§ 3.350** to determine whether the veteran may be entitled to special monthly compensation. Footnotes in the schedule indicate conditions that potentially establish entitlement to SMC; other conditions in this section may also establish such entitlement under certain circumstances.

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*This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the language of the VA rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.115b, Diagnostic Code 7541). It is not legal advice, and it does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome. Every claim is evaluated on its own facts.*

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