What Is The Va Disability Rating For Kidney Disease

Dialysis Care For Veterans

Dialysis care is a covered benefit under VAs Medical Benefits Package for veterans enrolled in VA healthcare.; Again, this includes veterans who have been previously diagnosed with chronic kidney condition.

Home Dialysis Care

Self-care dialysis performed by a patient or designated caregiver in their home is an alternative to in-center dialysis if the veteran chooses VA as their healthcare provider.; Veterans who desire this option, and who are medically acceptable candidates, must be provided with the necessary training, medical equipment and supplies, and home support required to perform home dialysis care.; As mentioned above, there are two main types of home dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.; Both types must be made available to veterans by VA, or through non-VA care if the VA facility is unable to provide that service.; For more information, visit VAs website with a list of all Veterans Health Administration dialysis facilities.

Appealing A Va Disability Benefits Denial Or An Undervalued Rating

If your claim is denied or you feel that;you were undervalued on your renal failure VA disability rating, you can and should appeal the decision. It is very common for initial VA claims to be denied for any number of reasons. Examples of frequent reasons for denial include paperwork errors or a decision that the condition isnt severe enough to prevent you from;working. If your claim has been denied in the past 12 months, you are eligible to appeal. We can help you through this process.

We will review your VA disability rating decision letter free of charge;and give you an honest evaluation of your claim. In some cases, we do not advise that you appeal the decision because we can see from the information provided that the denial decision is correct. However, there are often steps we can take to help improve your claim and increase your benefits.

Those who choose to work on their appeals independently often find the process takes years. Thats time you arent receiving benefits, which means significant financial pressure. Working with a VA disability attorney speeds up this process because it makes it more likely that your claim will be correct on the first try.

In this video, one of our VA disability lawyers talks about the benefits available to Veterans with 100% disability ratings.

Va Rating For Hypertension Explained The Ultimate Guide

In this post, we will be taking a deep dive into the legal and medical requirements for how to get a;VA Rating for Hypertension.

Think of this as the ultimate guide to getting service connected for hypertension even if youve been denied previously.

In 2021, a veterans disability for hypertension can be rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60% depending on the severity of your symptoms.

In general, the more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating youll receive for high blood pressure. ;

So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for hypertension.

Hypertension is no joke, and is often referred to as a silent killer because it is the most common risk factor among veterans with stroke.

According to VA medical research, hypertension is one of the most common chronic condition in veterans, affecting more than 37% of the veteran population.

Considerable medical evidence has shown that reducing your blood pressure can contribute to a significant reduction in risk for stroke among veterans.

There are a variety of hypertension secondary disability conditions as well, to include Hypertension secondary to Obstructive Sleep Apnea , Hypertension secondary to Kidney Disease, Hypertension secondary to Thyroid, and Hypertension secondary to side effects of certain medications.

About The Author

Also Check: Reducose Weight Loss

Diabetes And Kidney Disease: Secondary Service Connection

Diabetes is a disease in which a person requires insulin because their body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin produced properly.; Insulin is the hormone that regulates the amount of sugar in the bloodstream at any given moment.

There are two types of diabetes that are most common: Type 1 and Type 2.

• Type 1 Diabetes also known as juvenile-onset diabetes, typically occurs in children. This form of diabetes is caused by the pancreas not making enough insulin.; People with Type 1 diabetes usually need to take insulin injections for the entirety of their lives.
• Type 2 Diabetes or sometimes referred to as adult-onset diabetes. This form of diabetes is usually found in people over the age of 40.; The pancreas does make insulin with this form of diabetes, except the body does not use it properly.; High blood sugar levels, with this form of diabetes, may be controlled with medication or specific diets and sometimes insulin may also be used.

Diabetes can injure the small blood vessels in the body.; When the blood vessels are injured, the kidneys cannot properly filter the blood.; According to the National Kidney Foundation, type 2 diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease.

In order to file a claim for secondary service connection, the veteran should submit the following to VA:

How Does The Va Rate Kidney Disease

If youre a veteran with kidney disease, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The VA will consider several factors when rating this disease.

The VA rates kidney disease under the genitourinary system. There are two separate rating schedules: one for dysfunctions and one for diagnoses . In most cases, the rating code for diagnoses will reference the dysfunctions rating code for proper evaluation of the severity of the condition.

For example if you have chronic kidney disease, and now require regular dialysis, the VA is supposed to rate your condition under Chronic renal disease requiring regular dialysis . In addition, this particular rating code requires the VA rater to consider renal dysfunctions when evaluating your condition, under the dysfunctions rating schedule.

The VA rates chronic kidney disease primarily as a renal dysfunction, and has 5 rating percentages for this condition: 0 percent, 30 percent, 60 percent, 80 percent, and 100 percent. These percentages are based on:

• The amount of albuminuria present in a urine sample, with edema ; AND/OR
• The amount of waste collected in a blood test; OR
• A rating of high blood pressure under the VAs diagnostic code; OR
• Generalized poor health

Also Check: Can Kidney Stones Cause Constipation Or Diarrhea

How Va Disability Ratings Work

Weve mentioned a few different disability ratings, but what are those, and what do they mean? When your disability claim gets approved, the VA will assign you a rating to reflect the severity of your condition. These ratings are expressed as percentages and range between 10 percent and 100 percent, with ratings being rounded to the nearest 10 percent for compensation purposes.

Your disability rating will be the primary factor in determining how much money you get from the VA each month. The higher your rating, the more your disability impacts your ability to lead a normal, healthy life. And the higher your disability rating is, the more money youll get from the VA every month.

Complications Of Chronic Kidney Disease

If you have kidney disease but don’t meet one of the listings above, you can still get disability benefits if you’ve experienced serious complications over the last year. For example, some individuals with kidney disease suffer from congestive heart failure, stroke, hypertensive crisis, or acute kidney failure requiring hemodialysis. If you were hospitalized at least three times for such complications within one year, you can qualify under this listing .

Read Also: Constipation And Kidney Stones

How To Claim Renal Failure For Va Disability Benefits

In order to receive a VA rating for renal failure and receive VA disability benefits, you have to;meet three criteria. The first is getting an official diagnosis from a VA-approved medical professional. Typically, the doctor that you see or your local hospital provides this documentation.

Second, you have to;be able to;pinpoint a specific incident during your time in the service that led to your current condition. In order to receive VA benefits, the renal failure must have been directly caused;by something that happened to you while you were in the military or the result of another condition that has already been shown to have been caused by your military history. Third, your doctor must affirm that the renal failure and the incident that you cite are, in fact, connected.

All of this can be overwhelming especially because each step is critical in assuring that your claim;is processed;correctly and you get an appropriate renal failure VA disability rating. Going to your doctors appointment prepared can save you time. The best way to prepare is to make a list of your personal and family medical history. Then, get a copy of your service records in order to help your doctor make a medical connection between the condition of your kidneys and your service.

Once you have completed these steps, we will submit all of the information to the VA. Then, you wait for a determination on whether you qualify for disability because of your renal failure.

Getting Help With Your Claim

While qualifying for disability is often clear-cut with kidney disease, not all applicants experience a quick or smooth case review. Work closely with your doctor to document your illness and to ensure the SSA has the information and medical records they need to evaluate your claim. You may wish to seek help of an experienced Social Security advocate or attorney as well, especially if your kidney disease prevents you from working but does not meet one of the Blue Book listings mentioned above.

Recommended Reading: How Much Money Is A Kidney Worth

Medically Qualifying Through An Rfc Analysis

The Social Security Administration utilizes a comprehensive set of medical guidelines, commonly referred to as the Blue Book, to determine whether a case qualifies for disability benefits.

In some cases, the SSA will rule that even though you have a condition like kidney disease, the disease will not prevent you from doing work and if you are capable of working then you are not qualified to receive disability benefits.

However, your condition could still prevent you from working and so the SSA will request that you will out a residual function capacity form . The RFC form helps to determine how much work you are capable of performing given your condition.

Your doctor will be the one to fill out and submit the RFC form, which allows the SSA to trust that the information provided is accurate.

Since your doctor is likely the one who diagnosed your condition and is responsible for your treatment, your doctor knows how much you are capable of doing and what you cannot do, in addition to how you are responding to treatment and any side effects you might be encountering.

This is all very valuable information because it paints a picture of your unique situation and your actual abilities and limitations, which is something that the Blue Book cannot do.

The RFC form will allow you and your doctor to outline your treatment plan and how the treatment for your kidney disease might make it difficult for you to keep up with the demands of your job.

How Do I Apply To Receive A Rating For My Condition

If you are still in the military, then you can request your military physician to refer you to the MEB and start the IDES process. If you are already a veteran, you can submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim.

Don’t Miss: Is Celery Juice Good For Kidneys

Disability Based On Functional Limitations

If your kidney disease does not meet one of the above listing requirements, Social Security will considers the effect of the disease on your abilities. Social Security will look at the patient’s symptoms and decide how they limit the patient’s ability to work. If the doctor has included a detailed opinion about how the disease limits the patient’s ability to work, Social Security will take that into account. Social Security will come up with a “residual functional capacity” rating based on the type of work it thinks you can do .

Some patients with kidney failure or nephrotic disease suffer from bone pain, fatigue caused by anemia, shortness of breath, trouble with exertion, or swelling of the knees or feet. These symptoms can cause problems with walking or standing for long periods of time, which might mean an individual gets an RFC for no more than sedentary work. In assessing your RFC, Social Security also considers factors like the side effects of therapy and medication, the effects of any post-therapeutic residuals, and the expected duration of treatment.

Trade

Can I Get A Va Rating For Hypertension

Yes, you can get a VA rating for high blood pressure, more commonly known as hypertension in the medical community.

According to CFR 38 Part 4 the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, veterans may receive a VA disability rating for hypertension between 10% and 60%, with breaks at 20% and 40%, depending upon the severity of symptoms:

• 10% VA rating for hypertension: If your diastolic pressure is 100 to 109, or your systolic pressure is 160 to 199.
• 20% rating for hypertension: If your diastolic pressure is 110 to 119, or your systolic pressure is 200 or higher.
• 40% VA disability rating for hypertension: If your diastolic pressure is 120 to 129.
• 60% VA rating for hypertension is warranted if your diastolic pressure measures 130 or higher.

Recommended Reading: Does Red Wine Cause Kidney Stones

What Is The Va Disability Rating For Kidney Disease Now You Know

Kidney disease is a dangerous condition that, if left untreated, could become fatal. Knowing the answer to, What is the VA disability rating for kidney disease? could help you get the compensation you deserve for this condition. And if your case is denied, dont give up hope; you could still get the benefits youre entitled to.

If youd like help submitting or appealing a VA disability application, get in touch with us at Woods and Woods, The Veterans Firm. We fight for veterans every day, and you dont pay unless we win.;Contact us today;and start getting the compensation you deserve.

At Woods and Woods, weve helped thousands of veterans with their VA disability applications and appeals. Weve been adding staff and lawyers during the Covid pandemic to serve disabled veterans better in difficult times.

Talk to Us About Your Claim:;

Va Disability Ratings For Kidney Disease Hill Ponton P A

Va disability rating for stage 3 kidney disease. My VA doctor and my private doctor told me I had this disease. Stage 2 GFR is 60-89. 40- Urinating more than every hour daily and 5 or more times during the night.

Rate as renal dysfunction. There are many reasons why kidney failure qualifies you for renal failure VA disability ratings but how much you get in benefits will depend on the severity of your condition. 20 Or rate as renal dysfunction.

Issue with more than 431000 veterans receiving disability support for the disease Like other VA disabilities to receive disability compensation Rating is 20. If youre a veteran with kidney disease you may be. 7534 Atherosclerotic renal disease renal artery stenosis or atheroembolic renal disease.

To do so its important to find a health care provider who will provide a diagnosis for renal disease and consider all potential environmental exposures when doing so. 20 Or rate as renal dysfunction. Early stages of kidney conditions peripheral neuropathy retinopathy or weight problems.

For this condition you may receive the following ratings. Kidney disease has five stages. Rate as renal dysfunction.

If you have fluid retention swelling and high blood pressure youll get a 30 percent. VA rates kidney disease under the genitourinary system. Diabetic condition requires insulin AND.

Recommended Reading: What Laxative Is Safe For Kidneys

Signs And Symptoms Of Kidney Disease

Known as a silent killer, CKD isnt easy to detect because the signs and symptoms for this condition often occur very late in the process, and damage to the kidney has already occurred. Veterans in the early stages of CKD are usually not aware that they have this condition. However, there are signs and symptoms that warrant a visit to the doctor, including:

• Changes in urination. You may feel the need to urinate more often, see blood in your urine, or experience urine that is bubbly or foamy.
• Loss of appetite. You may feel too sick, tired, or full to eat due to the toxin buildup caused by damaged kidneys.
• Feet and ankle swelling. If your kidneys cant eliminate excess fluid and salt from your system, you may experience swelling in some of your extremities.
• Itchy skin. This is a sign that your blood may have an imbalance of nutrients and minerals. High blood levels of phosphorus can cause itchy skin.
• Weakness and fatigue. When toxins build up in your blood, you may feel less energetic or excessively tired. CKD may cause anemiawhen your blood does not have enough red blood cellscausing you to feel weak.
• Eye puffiness. This is an early sign of CKD. Puffiness around your eyes can be caused by protein leaking into your urine.

Common Symptoms Of Hypertension In Veterans

High blood pressure symptoms vary from veteran to veteran.

If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately!

You could be having a hypertensive crisis that could lead to a;heart attack;or;stroke.

You may also have another serious health condition that requires medical attention.

Symptoms of Severe Hypertension in Veterans

If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain;symptoms to look out for, including:

• Severe;headaches

• Blood spots in eyes

Read Also: Is Red Wine Bad For Kidney Stones

What Is Hypertension In Veterans

According to the Mayo Clinic, hypertension is a common condition in veterans whereby the long-term force of the high blood pressure against your artery walls can cause a variety of health problems, such as heart disease or stroke.

Generally, blood pressure is determined in two ways: The amount of blood your heart pumps and The amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries.

The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury and it has two numbers.

These two numbers will affect your final VA disability rating for hypertension:

• Top Number ;The first, or upper, number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
• Bottom Number The second, or lower, number measures the pressure in your arteries between beats.