Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Handedness is decisive: DC 8515 splits every rating between the 'major' (dominant) and 'minor' (non-dominant) extremity — the same nerve severity pays more on the dominant side. Confirm and document which hand is dominant.
• Ratings turn on the graded terms 'mild,' 'moderate,' and 'severe' incomplete paralysis, and 'complete' paralysis. These are the exact CFR words; ensure examiner language maps to them.
• Note that the schedule instructs that when involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be for the mild or, at most, the moderate degree — a key limiter for sensory-predominant carpal tunnel.
• Each hand is rated separately; bilateral carpal tunnel yields two evaluations combined under the combined ratings table with the bilateral factor applied.
• Distinguish 8515 (paralysis) from 8615 (neuritis) and 8715 (neuralgia) — the same DC family, but neuralgia is generally limited to the moderate incomplete level.

Evidence that helps

• Nerve conduction study (NCS)/EMG confirming median nerve involvement at the wrist.
• Documentation of dominant (major) vs. non-dominant (minor) hand.
• Clinical findings mapping to a severity grade: sensory loss/paresthesia distribution (thumb, index, middle, radial half of ring finger), Tinel's and Phalen's signs.
• Thenar muscle strength testing and evidence of atrophy (thenar eminence).
• Grip strength, thumb opposition/abduction, and ability to make a fist.
• Evidence of trophic changes or 'ape hand' deformity for complete-paralysis levels.
• Treatment records: bracing/splinting, injections, carpal tunnel release surgery and outcomes.
• Functional-impact statements on work and daily activities.

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

Conditions medically linked to Carpal Tunnel — each can be worth a separate or secondary claim:

• Radiculopathy — Carpal tunnel is a peripheral-nerve condition rated like other nerve impairments (DC 8515, median nerve).
• Diabetes — Carpal tunnel and other neuropathies are recognized secondaries to diabetes.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for carpal tunnel syndrome?

The VA rates carpal tunnel syndrome under 38 CFR diagnostic code 8515. The rating tiers are: 10% — Mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve (major or minor extremity).; 20% — Moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve — minor (non-dominant) extremity.; 30% — Moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve — major (dominant) extremity.; 40% — Severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve — minor (non-dominant) extremity.; 50% — Severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve — major (dominant) extremity.; 60% — Complete paralysis of the median nerve — minor (non-dominant) extremity: the hand inclined to the ulnar side, index and middle fingers more extended than normally, considerable atrophy of the muscles of the thenar eminence, the thumb in the plane of the hand (ape hand); pronation incomplete and defective, absence of flexion of index finger and feeble flexion of middle finger, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended; cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb, defective opposition and abduction of the thumb at right angles to palm; flexion of wrist weakened; pain with trophic disturbances.; 70% — Complete paralysis of the median nerve — major (dominant) extremity: same manifestations as at the 60% (minor) level (ape hand, defective pronation/opposition, inability to make a fist, trophic disturbances, etc.).. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.

How much VA disability compensation is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be rated from 10% to 70%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.

What evidence do I need for a carpal tunnel syndrome VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: Nerve conduction study (NCS)/EMG confirming median nerve involvement at the wrist.; Documentation of dominant (major) vs. non-dominant (minor) hand.; Clinical findings mapping to a severity grade: sensory loss/paresthesia distribution (thumb, index, middle, radial half of ring finger), Tinel's and Phalen's signs.; Thenar muscle strength testing and evidence of atrophy (thenar eminence).; Grip strength, thumb opposition/abduction, and ability to make a fist.; Evidence of trophic changes or 'ape hand' deformity for complete-paralysis levels.; Treatment records: bracing/splinting, injections, carpal tunnel release surgery and outcomes.; Functional-impact statements on work and daily activities..

How do I get the correct rating for carpal tunnel syndrome?

To be rated accurately: Handedness is decisive: DC 8515 splits every rating between the 'major' (dominant) and 'minor' (non-dominant) extremity — the same nerve severity pays more on the dominant side. Confirm and document which hand is dominant.; Ratings turn on the graded terms 'mild,' 'moderate,' and 'severe' incomplete paralysis, and 'complete' paralysis. These are the exact CFR words; ensure examiner language maps to them.; Note that the schedule instructs that when involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be for the mild or, at most, the moderate degree — a key limiter for sensory-predominant carpal tunnel.; Each hand is rated separately; bilateral carpal tunnel yields two evaluations combined under the combined ratings table with the bilateral factor applied.; Distinguish 8515 (paralysis) from 8615 (neuritis) and 8715 (neuralgia) — the same DC family, but neuralgia is generally limited to the moderate incomplete level..