Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. VA rates it per wrist under the median nerve code, with higher percentages for your dominant hand.
How the VA rates it
Rated under DC 8515 (median nerve) as mild, moderate, or severe incomplete paralysis, or complete paralysis, with separate percentages for the dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) hand. Most CTS cases with numbness and tingling alone are rated mild; weakness, atrophy, or positive EMG findings support moderate or higher. Wholly sensory involvement is rated mild or at most moderate.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 70%Complete paralysis of the median nerve: hand inclined to the ulnar side with 'ape hand' appearance, considerable thenar (thumb pad) atrophy, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended, cannot flex the thumb tip, defective thumb opposition, weakened wrist flexion, and pain with trophic disturbances. 70 percent for the dominant (major) hand, 60 percent for the non-dominant (minor) hand.
Severe incomplete paralysis: 50 percent for the dominant hand, 40 percent for the non-dominant hand.
Moderate incomplete paralysis: 30 percent for the dominant hand, 20 percent for the non-dominant hand.
Mild incomplete paralysis: 10 percent for either hand.
What those terms mean
- flexion
- — Bending the joint (e.g., bending your knee or leaning forward).
Secondary condition strategy
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 — CTS occurs at higher rates in diabetics and can be claimed secondary to diabetes (often alongside diabetic peripheral neuropathy).
- Hypothyroidism — Hypothyroidism is a recognized medical risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Wrist fracture or injury residuals — CTS is commonly claimed secondary to service-connected wrist injuries or repetitive-use damage.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- An EMG/nerve conduction study confirming median nerve compression at the wrist is the gold-standard evidence and helps distinguish CTS from cervical radiculopathy.
- Verify your dominant hand is recorded correctly - it changes the percentage at the moderate tier and above.
- Document functional loss: dropping objects, weakened grip and pinch strength, thenar atrophy, and night symptoms that wake you.
- If both wrists are affected, claim both - the two ratings combine with the bilateral factor.
Rating rules to know
One rating per nerve per hand - CTS symptoms cannot be rated under both 8515 and a radicular group code for the same hand. If cervical radiculopathy and CTS are both present, the ratings must be based on clearly separable symptoms.
Related diagnostic codes
More neurological conditions
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are recurring severe headaches, often with nausea and light sensitivity. VA rates them entirely on how often you have 'prostrating' attacks - attacks so severe you must stop what you are doing and lie down.
Rated up to 50%
Sciatic Radiculopathy (Lower Extremity)
Sciatic radiculopathy is nerve pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the low back down the leg, usually caused by a spine condition pressing on the sciatic nerve root. VA rates it per leg based on how severe the nerve impairment is.
Rated up to 80%
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the feet, legs, or hands causing burning pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness - most often from diabetes. There is no single diagnostic code: VA rates each affected nerve in each extremity separately.
Rated up to 80%
Upper Extremity Radiculopathy (Cervical Radiculopathy)
Cervical radiculopathy is pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand from a compressed nerve root. VA rates it per arm, with higher percentages for your dominant (major) arm.
Rated up to 70%
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Residuals
TBI residuals are the lasting effects of a head injury - problems with memory, concentration, mood, headaches, dizziness, and more. VA rates TBI with a unique facet-based system where your single worst area of impairment sets the rating.
Rated up to 100%
Seizure Disorder (Epilepsy)
Epilepsy and other seizure disorders are rated on how often you have seizures. Major (grand mal / tonic-clonic) seizures with loss of consciousness count for more than minor seizures, and a confirmed diagnosis guarantees at least 10 percent.
Rated up to 100%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.