Death of tissue in the kidney's inner structures, which may lead to kidney damage.
Because papillary necrosis is rated as renal dysfunction, the most important evidence is documentation of your GFR over time. Lab reports showing GFR, estimated GFR, or creatinine-based GFR calculations recorded by a medical professional across at least 3 consecutive months within the past year are central to establishing your rating level. If your GFR falls in the 60 to 89 range, records that show recurrent red blood cell, white blood cell, or granular casts in urine; structural kidney abnormalities such as cystic, obstructive, or glomerular changes; or an albumin/creatinine ratio of 30 mg/g or higher are needed to support even a 0% rating.
Records of dialysis treatment or documentation of transplant eligibility support a 100% rating. Treatment notes, hospital records, and imaging that show the severity and progression of kidney damage over time all help VA assess the correct level. Statements from you or people who know you describing how kidney disease affects your daily activities and work may also be relevant to your overall claim.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
