DC 7502 — Nephritis, chronic
Also known as: Nephritis, chronic, kidney disease, kidney failure, renal failure
These are commonly claimed secondary connections linked to this primary disability. Use them as a screening tool for conversations with your doctor, VSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Nephritis, chronic → Arteriosclerotic heart disease
How the connection is commonly explained
Kidney disease is an independent cardiovascular risk factor
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 7502 (Nephritis, chronic). Provide medical records showing kidney disease is an independent cardiovascular risk factor and request a nexus opinion linking Arteriosclerotic heart disease to your service-connected condition.
Nephritis, chronic → Hypertensive vascular disease
How the connection is commonly explained
Kidney disease causes and worsens hypertension
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 7502 (Nephritis, chronic). Provide medical records showing kidney disease causes and worsens hypertension and request a nexus opinion linking Hypertensive vascular disease to your service-connected condition.
Nephritis, chronic → Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity
How the connection is commonly explained
Kidney disease affects hormones and blood flow
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 7502 (Nephritis, chronic). Provide medical records showing kidney disease affects hormones and blood flow and request a nexus opinion linking Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity to your service-connected condition.
Nephritis, chronic → Iron deficiency anemia
How the connection is commonly explained
Kidneys produce erythropoietin — disease reduces red blood cell production
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 7502 (Nephritis, chronic). Provide medical records showing kidneys produce erythropoietin — disease reduces red blood cell production and request a nexus opinion linking Iron deficiency anemia to your service-connected condition.
Nephritis, chronic → Major depressive disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
Chronic kidney disease significantly impacts quality of life
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 7502 (Nephritis, chronic). Provide medical records showing chronic kidney disease significantly impacts quality of life and request a nexus opinion linking Major depressive disorder to your service-connected condition.
Nephritis, chronic → Sciatic nerve, paralysis
How the connection is commonly explained
Uremia from kidney disease can damage peripheral nerves
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 7502 (Nephritis, chronic). Provide medical records showing uremia from kidney disease can damage peripheral nerves and request a nexus opinion linking Sciatic nerve, paralysis to your service-connected condition.
This condition may also be secondary to
Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of kidney failure.
Reduced cardiac output affects kidney function
Gout and kidney disease share uric acid metabolism pathway
Hypertension damages kidney blood vessels over time.
How to File a Secondary Claim
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.