Veterans are entitled to compensation depending on the type of disability. However, ratings can be confusing if you have never requested compensation before.
This article will go over the rating for kidney disease and how the VA compensates Veterans. Depending on the disease’s severity, you will be entitled to either more or less money.
To begin, you should know what kidney disease is. Kidney disease is a serious medical condition that impairs kidney function, affecting the kidney’s ability to filter blood, regulate body systems, and control blood pressure. When these things are compromised, other waste and fluid can build up and lead to other health problems.
Because kidney disease is a broad term, it has different stages of varying degrees.
Acute kidney disease is when the kidneys suddenly stop functioning. When acute kidney disease occurs, it is usually because of another underlying medical condition. Veterans with acute kidney disease should seek immediate treatment once diagnosed.
Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive kidney disease that can occur in people who have diabetes. Damage is done to the capillaries in the kidney, causing elevated urinary protein excretion.
Chronic kidney disease is another progressive form of kidney disease in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. The kidneys progressively lose the function to filter waste from the body.
If you ever suspect any issues with your kidney, immediately set up an appointment to get tested. When you go in for an appointment, the physician will usually take a urine sample to measure the amount of protein in the urine. Kidney disease occurs if 30 mg or more of albumin is measured. From there, the physician will do further testing to see how far the disease has affected the kidney.
If you have diabetes, there will also be blood samples to determine how much waste your kidney can filter for your blood.
A properly functioning kidney secretes less than 30 mg of albumin.
Kidney disease is considered a disability by the VA. The VA has five rating levels determining how much compensation Veterans can receive for kidney disease. The five different levels are 0, 30, 60, 80, and 100%.
Veterans with kidney disease with no noticeable symptoms receive a rating of 0%. Veterans at 30% have fluid retention and other noticeable symptoms, such as high blood pressure or swelling. Veterans with a rating of 60% have a decrease in kidney function, and those who receive an 80% rating have a loss of appetite, weakness, or lack of energy to complete daily tasks. Veterans who have started dialysis typically receive a 100% rating.
To qualify for compensation through the VA for kidney disease, there are three qualifications:
If you’re unable to work due to the severity of your condition, you may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). You can qualify for TDIU even if your VA rating is less than 100%. Your condition doesn’t need to be extreme for you to qualify for TDIU. The compensation from TDIU is equal to a total disability rating. In this case, the VA compensates Veterans the same amount as if they were at 100%.
To qualify, you must show that you cannot maintain consistent employment because of the physical impairment kidney disease causes. Even if you are past the age of working, you can still get compensation for TDIU. You must have one service-connected disability rated at least 60% or more, along with the inability to work. From there, you can begin the process of qualifying for TDIU if you find yourself in that situation.
Sometimes getting qualified for VA compensation can be difficult, and there are times where you might receive a denial for compensation. When this happens, you need an experienced attorney like Berry Law to advocate for you. The team at Berry Law consists of former police officers and military Veterans, and we have fought alongside Veterans to appeal VA denials for disability compensation.
VA compensation for kidney disease comprises many things. You can receive dialysis care, home alterations and repairs, disability compensation, extended care, and home dialysis once you get approved. Of course, the amount of what you would get would depend on the rating you get from your condition.
Kidney disease is a broad category for different types of impairment in the kidney. All of them include kidney malfunction, whether they are immediate or progressive. If you have any reason to think that you are experiencing the symptoms of kidney disease, it is best to consult a medical professional.
Though qualifying for compensation can be a challenge at times, making sure you have the requirements to qualify is essential. If the VA denies your application, contact Berry Law. We can get you the compensation you deserve.
Sources:
VA Disability Ratings for Kidney Disease
VA Disability for All Kinds of Kidney Problems and Secondary Conditions
VA Disability Ratings Kidney Disease | Marc Whitehead & Associates
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