More than 1.4 million Veterans enrolled in VA health care are living with chronic kidney disease, a key focus during World Kidney Month
March is World Kidney Month. What better time to ask your VA provider about your risk for kidney disease? Most don’t “feel bad” until the later stages of kidney disease, so screening early can make a big difference.
Why Veterans are at greater risk
Military service can impact health in ways that show up years later. Veterans have higher rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) than the general population. Certain health conditions that disproportionately affect those who have served increase CKD risk.
Risk factors include:
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Heart disease.
- Occupational or environmental exposures.
More than half of all Veterans with CKD also have diabetes, about 7% have heart failure, and kidney disease is a risk factor for early death, regardless of other conditions.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a family history of kidney disease, talk to your VA provider about getting tested. The screening involves a simple blood test and a urine test.
VA is fighting for your kidney health
VA has been leading efforts in kidney health since 2019, when it created the first health system policy for CKD prevention, early detection and management.
This year, VA updated its joint clinical practice guidelines with the Department of Defense, with a specific focus on how military occupational exposures connect to kidney disease, an issue unique to the Veteran experience. The updated guidelines also emphasize shared decision-making, giving Veterans a stronger voice in their own care.
VA screens every enrolled Veteran for occupational and environmental exposures that can harm kidney function. For Veterans who may have an inherited kidney condition, VA offers genetic testing and counseling.
When it comes to treatment, VA has expanded access to home dialysis, so Veterans can manage their care independently. Integrated kidney care teams coordinate services across nephrology, nutrition, pharmacy, primary care and Whole Health programs. For those in rural or remote areas, VA’s Telenephrology Program offers virtual visits with kidney specialists, eliminating the need for travel.
VA has also built partnerships with the National Kidney Foundation, the American Kidney Fund and the American Association of Kidney Patients to ensure Veterans and their providers have access to the most current information and resources available.
What you can do right now
March is also National Nutrition Month, and nutrition is key to keeping your kidneys healthy. The main causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are strongly influenced by eating habits. Following a kidney-friendly eating plan, such as DASH or the Mediterranean diet, can help protect your kidneys. VA’s Nutrition and Food Services offers recipes and resources for kidney health. Visit with a dietitian at your VA for guidance on dietary adjustments to help manage your kidney disease.
What you can do this month to support your kidney health:
- Schedule a kidney screening.
- Know your blood pressure and blood glucose numbers.
- Review your medicines with your care team.
- Ask your provider about your personal kidney risk.
Be proactive to keep your kidneys healthy.
To learn more or request a kidney health evaluation, contact your VA primary care team, visit the VA Kidney Medicine Program or log into MyHealtheVet.
Topics in this story
More Stories
Sherry Thornton benefited from the support of family, friends, and her MOVE! team to develop a new, healthy lifestyle.
This article helps Veterans use effective strategies to manage common stressors before they escalate into a suicide crisis.
Veterans across VA are seeing meaningful improvements in their health and well-being through Whole Health services.
I wasn’t aware that Veterans were at high risk of kidney problems until my VA Doctor had my blood work done and told me that my levels were higher than before and referred me through (community care) to a Kidney specialist who by the way is excellent for further test. I have had a number of tests done and x-rays done to check me out. I would like to thank Dr. Williams at the Newnan Ga. clinic for her help and informing me of the problems Veterans have with kidney disease. I feel for the veterans’ stories I have read where their VAs didn’t give them quality service. I chose a satellite clinic because I get better service there. Not all VA centers are the same.
This article should also state that exposure to AGENT ORANGE causes HYPERTENSION and over time can lead to Kidney Disease.
I don’t believe the VA is making kidney protection among Veterans a priority
I have been in the system for over 3 years, with the VA knowing I have kidney issues
The follow up by doctors, primary care providers, and local VA regional hospitals give limited, to marginal if any continuous care.
Months to years between visits seem as though we fall through the cracks.
It is a huge bureaucratic mess of an agency.
They can do much better.
Stop performing sex operation s, or trans operations that limit needed time, administrative, and resources for weird horrible medical misappropriations that could be focusing on legitimate veterans needs.
There was no mention of Renal Cell Carcinoma of the kidney.
i agree, kidney cancer needs to be mentioned and what the tests are to diagnose it and follow-up appointments.
I lost left kidney 2016 due to a tumor deep down in kidney and they couldn’t biopsy it, so it I surgery to remove the kidney at the VA. Cancer was originally found through labs and MRI, CT scan, other tests. I had no family history or other risks for kidney cancer. VA doesn’t know if it was caused by environment or somewhere I was stationed.
I was alerted by my oncologist to inform my cardiologist about my labs showing increased #’s for my kidney results. I was using elaquis for a period to reduce my chance of stroke.Additionaly I was also using furosimide to resuce water retention. The two ndrugs may be the reason my numbers have increased for the past three months. I am informing other vets for info purposes.
What is a safe or acceptable gfr number for me , a 78 yr old male that has been on BP medication from 30 yrs.,I do not have diabetes and am 5’9 190lbs. Thank you
I am a stage 4 with my one kidney I have left. I have diabetes from agent orange how come the VA has not said that the kidney disease came from agent orange? I had to go through twice to be put on kidney list then they took me off saying I was to old at 76.
Do not forget that agent Orange can affect your kidneys. If you served Vietnam War you need to check your kidneys. I personally found out at my stage three kidney was caused by Agent Orange. Critical kidney damage can have effect on your heart thyroid liver and other organs. Make sure that you have it documented and your medical records if you have kidney failure and that the VA has examined You And made a determination that Agent Orange is linked to your kidney failure.
I greatly appreciate VA’s providing health info and tips on a varied array of diseases and illnesses. Keep up the good work for all of us.
I need a vso that gives a shit about me
I agree with you sir ?
I 2nd Said Agreement W/ you As Well! Keeping the Faith And Showing Up! Thank you All For Your Service!
I’ve lost my right kidney due to a large tumor I was complaining of back pain for years started in Cambodia when I was injured from an explosion caused by a road grader I feel the tumor started from bruises and later caused me to under go treatment for osteomyelitis at the va hospital in Altoona Pennsylvania
I go to Jessy Brown VA for years. I have severe PKD, and they are enlarged they push on the intestines and some arteries. My GFR is study at 30-32 for years. There is little to do, and I have no side effects they cause and will refuse dialysis if it comes to that point. I am almost 80 and have bad lungs, and bad bones from the bad kidneys. If your young you got a chance. If your old just keep your fingers crossed. Stay healthy my friends.
Real easy, & VA makes it simple (Blood test & Urine)…results…if all is good…Stay Hydrated with plenty of water everyday & make it a Habit..Thanks VA
Does the Va compensate us for kidney disease