What are the VA rating percentages for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment)?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) (DC 8515) is rated at 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8515. Mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve (same for dominant and non-dominant hand).

What rates 10% for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8515?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8515 (DC 8515), a 10% rating for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) requires: Mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve (same for dominant and non-dominant hand).

What rates 30% for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8515?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8515 (DC 8515), a 30% rating for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) requires: Moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve - dominant hand. (20% non-dominant.)

What rates 50% for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8515?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8515 (DC 8515), a 50% rating for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) requires: Severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve - dominant hand. (40% non-dominant.)

What secondary conditions are linked to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment)?

Common secondary conditions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) include Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Wrist Arthritis, Shoulder Pain. Secondary service connection is established under 38 C.F.R. 3.310 when a condition is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability.

What happens during a C&P exam for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment)?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment)

Q: What rates 70% for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8515?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8515 (DC 8515), a 70% rating for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) requires: Complete paralysis of the median nerve - dominant hand. (60% non-dominant.) The hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, 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; weakened flexion of wrist; pain with trophic disturbances.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 851538 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Diagnostic Code

DC 8515

38 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Rating Range

10–70%

4 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Entrapment) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 8515 of 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8515 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 30% / 50% / 70%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Cubital Tunnel Syndrome or Wrist Arthritis under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Compression of the median nerve at the wrist causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

Rating Criteria

10%

Mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve (same for dominant and non-dominant hand).

30%

Moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve - dominant hand. (20% non-dominant.)

50%

Severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve - dominant hand. (40% non-dominant.)

70%

Complete paralysis of the median nerve - dominant hand. (60% non-dominant.) The hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, 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; weakened flexion of wrist; pain with trophic disturbances.

Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

Secondary Conditions

Cubital Tunnel SyndromeMODERATE

Compensatory hand positioning affects ulnar nerve

Wrist ArthritisMODERATE

Underlying joint dysfunction

Shoulder PainMODERATE

Altered arm use patterns

More in Neurological

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Epilepsy / Seizure Disorder Trigeminal Neuralgia Bell's Palsy Multiple Sclerosis Parkinson's Disease Sciatic Nerve Damage Femoral Neuropathy All conditions →

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a (Neurological conditions and convulsive disorders). Source verified 2026-05-17 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.124a on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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