VA Disability for Chronic Kidney Disease Secondary to Hypertension
By Telemedica
8/7/2025
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
- Diagnosing Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease and Military Service
- Hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Presumptive Conditions
- How the VA Rates Chronic Kidney Disease
- Proving CKD as a Secondary Condition to Hypertension
- Nexus Letter for Chronic Kidney Disease
- Conclusion
- Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims
- (FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
Many veterans don’t realize that chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be service-connected when it’s caused or aggravated by their service-connected hypertension (high blood pressure).
In this post, we’ll show you how to qualify for VA disability for CKD secondary to hypertension, explain how the VA rates CKD under Diagnostic Code 7540, and outline the key medical evidence (like GFR results and a strong nexus letter) you need for a strong secondary claim.
If you already have a VA rating for hypertension, service connecting your CKD can boost your VA disability benefits and total monthly compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Chronic kidney disease can be rated as a secondary service-connected disability if it’s caused or worsened by hypertension.
- The VA uses diagnostic code 7540 to rate CKD, focusing on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) levels and other factors.
- A strong nexus letter from a licensed medical provider is essential to prove the connection between your service-connected hypertension and CKD.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease happens when your kidneys slowly lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from your blood. This can lead to dangerous buildups in your body and serious complications over time.
Causes
Common causes of chronic kidney disease include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes
- Long-term use of certain medications
- Autoimmune disorders
Symptoms
Chronic kidney disease symptoms are often subtle, worsening slowly over months or even years. Early symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs
- Changes in urination (e.g., increased or decreased frequency, darker or lighter urine color, or blood in the urine)
Diagnosing Chronic Kidney Disease
A lab test called a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a primary tool used to diagnose chronic kidney disease.
The VA focuses on the GFR as part of its criteria for chronic kidney disease disability ratings.
Measuring GFR LEVEL
The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) measures how well your kidneys filter blood. A low GFR can suggest kidney disease.
The National Kidney Foundation reports that normal GFR lab results range from 90 to 120 mL/min/1.73 m2.
GFR Results: What It Means
- A GFR of 60 milliliters per minute/1.73 square meters or higher is considered normal.
- When levels fall below 60 milliliters per minute/1.73 square meters for three months or longer, this indicates chronic kidney disease.
- A GFR below 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 indicates kidney failure and requires immediate medical attention.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Military Service
While chronic kidney disease may not directly result from military service, many veterans develop hypertension due to military-related stressors, injuries, or exposure to toxins (e.g., from burn pits, Agent Orange, or other sources).
However, chronic kidney disease can be caused by uncontrolled hypertension. Over time, high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, potentially leading to CKD.
If your hypertension is service-connected, and it leads to or worsens your kidney disease, you may be eligible for a secondary service connection.
Hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Presumptive Conditions
If your hypertension is presumptively linked to military service, such as exposure to Agent Orange or burn pits, you may qualify for a presumptive service connection for CKD as a secondary condition.
Learn more about the specific criteria for VA presumptive disorders here.
How the VA Rates Chronic Kidney Disease
The VA evaluates chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on your rating on GFR levels, need for dialysis, and overall kidney function.
CKD is rated under diagnostic code 7540, part of the genitourinary system rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.115a).
VA Disability for Chronic Kidney Disease Secondary to Hypertension (Ratings Chart)
| Diagnostic Code 7540 Rating Criteria | VA Disability Rating |
| Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | 100% |
| Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months | 80% |
| Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 30 to 44 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months | 60% |
| Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 45 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months | 30% |
| GFR from 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 and either recurrent red blood cell (RBC) casts, white blood cell (WBC) casts, or granular casts for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; OR GFR from 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 and structural kidney abnormalities (cystic, obstructive, or glomerular) for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; OR GFR from 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/g for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months | 0% |
Proving CKD as a Secondary Condition to Hypertension
To win a VA claim for chronic kidney disease secondary to hypertension, you must prove service connection. To prove service connection you need:
- A current diagnosis of chronic kidney disease
- A primary service-connected disability—in this case, hypertension
- A medical opinion (i.e., medical nexus, exhibited via a nexus letter)
Remember, while a current diagnosis and a strong nexus letter are essential, they don’t guarantee VA claim approval.
Nexus Letter for Chronic Kidney Disease
A nexus letter explains how your CKD is “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated by your service-connected hypertension.
A strong nexus letter should:
- Be written by a licensed medical provider
- Review and reference your full medical and military history
- Explain the medical relationship between hypertension and CKD
- Use language that meets the VA’s standard of proof
Telemedica’s network of licensed providers can help you get a personalized, evidence-based nexus letter to support your CKD secondary claim.
Conclusion
If you’re a veteran living with chronic kidney disease and have already been rated for hypertension, you may qualify for VA disability for chronic kidney disease secondary to hypertension.
Submitting the right medical evidence, including a strong nexus letter, will likely result in a successful secondary CKD claim, increasing your monthly disability compensation and qualifying you for additional VA benefits.
Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims
Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?
Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims!
Schedule your 20-minute consultation, get answers for your service-connected disability, and start on your path to well-being.
Get your high-quality medical evidence from the medical evidence experts!
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
What VA rating can I get for chronic kidney disease?
You could receive between 0% and 100% with breaks of 30%, 60%, 80%, depending on your eGFR level and whether you require dialysis or have other qualifying factors.
Do I need a nexus letter to qualify for chronic kidney disease secondary to hypertension?
Yes. A Nexus Letter is often essential for secondary conditions to show the medical relationship between your primary and secondary conditions.
Telemedica connects veterans with licensed medical professionals who can write customized Nexus Letters for chronic kidney disease and other secondary conditions.
What is secondary service connection?
Secondary service connection is when a service-connected condition (like hypertension) caused or worsened a new condition (like chronic kidney disease), making that new condition eligible for VA benefits.
When does chronic kidney disease reach stage 2?
Stage 2 is one of several stages of chronic kidney disease involving mildly decreased kidney function. Often, there are no symptoms during this stage, and the condition may not have been diagnosed.
Can I reverse the progression of chronic kidney disease?
No. The damage of chronic kidney disease can’t be reversed. Still, its progression can be slowed through healthy lifestyle choices and the management of underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.