Renal involvement in diabetes mellitus type I or II DC 7541
VA rates it under diagnostic code 7541 in 38 CFR 4.115b. Body system: Other.
Also searched as: diabetic nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 5 rating levels for this code: 0%, 30%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Rated as renal dysfunction (§ 4.115a).
Source: 38 CFR 4.115b on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | See 38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7541. |
| 80% | See 38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7541. |
| 60% | See 38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7541. |
| 30% | See 38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7541. |
| 0% | See 38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7541. |
Rate as renal dysfunction.
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Diabetes (type 2) DC 7913 Established link Rated separately
Kidney damage from diabetes (diabetic nephropathy) is rated under its own kidney code.
What to gather: A diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease, shown by urine protein or kidney function tests in your records. Compensable diabetes complications get their own rating; ones rated 0% are counted as part of your diabetes rating.
Sources: 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7913 Note (1): rate compensable diabetes complications separately; NIDDK (NIH): Diabetic kidney disease; 38 CFR 4.115b
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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