Kidney damage caused by exposure to toxic substances such as medications, heavy metals, or chemicals.
Because the ratings hinge on GFR values and how long they have been present, the most important records are lab results showing repeated GFR or estimated GFR measurements taken over at least 3 consecutive months. A series of basic metabolic panels or comprehensive metabolic panels that include serum creatinine, from which a medical professional calculates GFR, directly addresses the rating criteria.
If your GFR falls in the 60 to 89 range, records showing recurrent red blood cell casts, white blood cell casts, or granular casts in urinalysis results, an albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 30 mg/g or higher, or imaging or biopsy findings of structural kidney abnormalities would support the criteria at that level. Dialysis treatment records or documentation of eligibility for a kidney transplant support the 100% level. Records from nephrology visits, hospital notes, or dialysis center logs that show the duration and consistency of your kidney function over the past 12 months help confirm that the required 3-consecutive-month window is met.
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.
