How the VA Rates Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 8515 (Paralysis of the Median Nerve) — major (dominant) / minor (non-dominant) criteria a VA rater evaluates Carpal Tunnel Syndrome against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
Diagnostic codes 8515, 8615, 8715
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 8515 (Paralysis of the Median Nerve) — major (dominant) / minor (non-dominant) for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
10%
$180.42/month
Mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve (10% major or minor) — intermittent sensory symptoms with little or no motor involvement.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Tingling/numbness in thumb, index, middle fingers
- Night-time wrist/hand symptoms
- Positive Tinel's or Phalen's sign
- No significant weakness or atrophy
20%
$356.66/month
Moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve — 30% (major) / 20% (minor). Persistent sensory loss with some motor weakness. (Non-dominant hand value shown for this tier.)
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Constant numbness in the median distribution
- Weak grip and pinch
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks (buttoning, writing)
- Reduced reflexes; early thenar weakness
30%
$552.47/month
Moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve — 30% (major dominant hand). For severe incomplete paralysis the rating is 50% (major) / 40% (minor).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Significant grip/pinch weakness in the dominant hand
- Persistent numbness with functional loss
- Difficulty grasping and holding objects
50%
$1,132.90/month
Severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve (50% major / 40% minor) — marked sensory loss and motor weakness with measurable thenar atrophy.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Thenar (thumb-base) muscle atrophy
- Cannot oppose the thumb effectively
- Frequent dropping of objects; marked weakness
70%
$1,808.45/month
Complete paralysis of the median nerve (70% major / 60% minor) — the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the thumb in the plane of the hand ('ape hand'), cannot make a fist with the index and middle fingers, with thenar atrophy and weakened wrist flexion.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 'Ape hand' deformity
- Cannot flex index/middle fingers to make a fist
- Marked thenar atrophy
- Loss of thumb opposition and weakened wrist flexion
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
The evidence that matters most
An EMG/nerve conduction study documenting severity, plus a note of which hand is dominant — major-hand involvement rates higher
C&P exam tips for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- What wins this rating: an EMG/nerve conduction study confirming median nerve involvement and severity, plus an exam documenting sensory loss, grip/pinch strength, and any thenar atrophy.
- Specify dominant vs. non-dominant hand — the dominant (major) hand rates higher.
- Describe functional loss: dropping objects, inability to grip tools, difficulty with fine tasks.
- Carpal tunnel is rated separately from any cervical radiculopathy — claim both if applicable.
Common mistakes on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome claims
- Not obtaining an EMG/NCS — without it the examiner may record only 'subjective' symptoms.
- Failing to state which hand is dominant.
- Not documenting muscle atrophy or strength testing, which separates moderate from severe.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 8515 (Paralysis of the Median Nerve) — major (dominant) / minor (non-dominant) — diagnostic codes 8515, 8615, 8715.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
70% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The criteria at that level describe: Complete paralysis of the median nerve (70% major / 60% minor) — the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the thumb in the plane of the hand ('ape hand'), cannot make a fist with the index and middle fingers, with thenar atrophy and weakened wrist flexion.
How much does a 70% VA rating for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome pay in 2026?
$1,808.45 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Build your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome claim documentation
Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.
Start your claim — freeEducational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.