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SIG
SIGNAL CORPS

25B Information Technology Specialist

U.S. Army
Equivalent: 3D0X2 (USAF Cyber Systems Operations), IT (Navy Information Systems Technician)
The 25B Information Technology Specialist installs, operates, and maintains computer systems, networks, and communications equipment across garrison and deployed environments. While primarily a technical MOS, 25Bs deploy to combat zones and FOBs where they maintain tactical communications infrastructure. Occupational hazards include prolonged sedentary computer work, repetitive strain, deployment-related exposures, and the psychological stress of maintaining critical communications systems during combat operations.
OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
-Prolonged sitting at workstations (8-16 hour shifts in tactical operations centers)
-Repetitive keyboard/mouse use causing carpal tunnel and wrist strain
-Lifting and carrying server equipment, radios, and network hardware (20-80 lbs)
-Running cable through crawl spaces, above ceiling tiles, and through tactical positions
-Deployment to combat zones with standard combat load during movements
-Generator noise exposure in TOCs and server rooms
-Sleep deprivation during 24/7 operations maintaining critical networks
-Burn pit exposure when deployed to FOBs/COPs
SERVICE-CONNECTED CONDITIONS (8 MAPPED)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Bilateral)DC 8515
VERY HIGH
Typical Ratings: 10%, 30%
Thousands of hours of keyboard/mouse use. Repetitive strain on median nerve. Both hands affected for bilateral factor.
38 C.F.R. 4.124a, DC 8515
Lumbar SpineDC 5237-5243
HIGH
Typical Ratings: 10%, 20%
Prolonged sitting in non-ergonomic tactical chairs. Lifting server equipment. Cable running in awkward positions.
38 C.F.R. 4.71a
Cervical SpineDC 5237-5243
HIGH
Typical Ratings: 10%, 20%
Forward head posture from computer work. Looking down at screens and equipment for extended periods.
38 C.F.R. 4.71a
MigrainesDC 8100
MODERATE
Typical Ratings: 10%, 30%, 50%
Screen exposure, sleep deprivation, stress from maintaining critical systems. Frequency of prostrating attacks determines rating.
38 C.F.R. 4.124a, DC 8100
TinnitusDC 6260
MODERATE
Typical Ratings: 10%
Generator noise in TOCs, server room noise, deployment weapons qualification. Less exposure than combat arms but still significant.
38 C.F.R. 4.87, DC 6260
Vision ProblemsDC 6000-6091
MODERATE
Typical Ratings: 0%, 10%
Prolonged screen use causing eye strain, dry eye, and convergence issues. Document with optometry records from service.
38 C.F.R. 4.79
PTSD / Adjustment DisorderDC 9411/9440
MODERATE (if deployed)
Typical Ratings: 30%, 50%
Deployed 25Bs experience indirect fire, IED threats during movements, and the stress of maintaining communications during combat operations. Non-deployed may have adjustment disorder from operational tempo.
38 C.F.R. 4.130
Obesity-related (Sleep Apnea)DC 6847
MODERATE
Typical Ratings: 0%, 30%, 50%
Sedentary work combined with military dining facility culture and deployment stress eating. Secondary to PTSD medications.
38 C.F.R. 4.97, DC 6847
TYPICAL RATING CONSTELLATION
A 25B with 6+ years and deployment commonly has: bilateral carpal tunnel (10% each), lumbar spine (10-20%), cervical spine (10%), migraines (10-30%), tinnitus (10%), and possibly PTSD (30-50%) if deployed. Combined: 50-80%.
KEY CLAIM TIP
25B carpal tunnel claims are strong if you can show occupational typing demands in service. Even without specific sick call visits for wrist pain, your MOS duty description itself establishes the repetitive motion exposure. Get a current nerve conduction study to document severity.
RELATED MOS
25S25N25U17C35T
Secondary Conditions
450+ secondaries mapped
Calculate Your Rating
VA math + dollar impact
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CLAIM RECON 2026