Median nerve, paralysis (DC 8515) | VA Rating Tool
| Diagnostic Code | 8515 |
|---|---|
| Category | Neurological Conditions And Convulsive Disorders |
| Subcategory | Peripheral Nerves |
| Also Known As | carpal tunnel, Median, median nerve, CTS, hand numbness, wrist pain, hand tingling, hand weakness, neuropathy, nerve pain |
| CFR Section | 38 CFR § 4.124a |
📊 What Veterans Actually Get
Carpal tunnel is rated based on nerve paralysis severity. The most common rating is 10% (mild incomplete paralysis). Dominant hand gets higher percentages than non-dominant.
Next Steps for This Condition
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Complete; the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the 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 |
| 40% | Severe |
| 20% | Moderate |
| 10% | Mild |
Conditions Secondary to This
3 linksFear of losing hand function and work capability
Chronic hand pain and loss of function affect quality of life
Neck conditions can coexist with and worsen carpal tunnel symptoms
This May Be Secondary To
3 linksDiabetes increases risk of carpal tunnel syndrome through nerve damage and tissue swelling affecting the median nerve.
Arthritis in wrist joints can compress the median nerve
Double crush syndrome — cervical nerve compression worsens carpal tunnel
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.