10%
Highest listed pathwayMild.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
- Official CFR language
- Mild.
- What the published criteria say
- Mild.
Reference: 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8515
What is the VA rating for Carpal Tunnel?
The published Carpal Tunnel schedule uses specific diagnostic codes.
Condition Overview & Clinical ScopeClick to expand
Based on dominant vs non-dominant.
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Explore Carpal Tunnel Criteria & Tools
Start AssessmentAnswer condition-scoped questions using documented findings from your records or exam notes.ContinuePercentage GuideSee the published percentage tiers and what changes between them.ContinueSecondary ConditionsSee conditions commonly connected to this one in VA claims.Continue
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Common Questions & FAQsView Questions
Overview
About this condition
Based on dominant vs non-dominant.
Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8515
Educational guide.
Percentage Guides
Understanding Your Percentage
Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.
20%
Highest listed pathwayModerate non-dominant.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
- Official CFR language
- Moderate.
- What the published criteria say
- Moderate.
30%
Highest listed pathwayModerate dominant.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
- Official CFR language
- Moderate.
- What the published criteria say
- Moderate.
40%
Highest listed pathwaySevere non-dominant.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
- Official CFR language
- Severe.
- What the published criteria say
- Severe.
50%
Highest listed pathwaySevere dominant.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
- Official CFR language
- Severe.
- What the published criteria say
- Severe.
60%
Highest listed pathwayComplete non-dominant.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
- Official CFR language
- Complete.
- What the published criteria say
- Complete.
70%
Highest listed pathwayComplete dominant.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
- Official CFR language
- Complete.
- What the published criteria say
- Complete.
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Understand the details behind the criteria
Use these short guides to connect published terms with the records and observations that may clarify them.
Median nerve sensory and motor impairment patterns
Carpal tunnel syndrome is evaluated under the median nerve schedule based on the degree of sensory loss, muscle weakness, and whether the dominant or non-dominant hand is affected.
- Compression of the median nerve at the wrist causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger.
- Severe involvement can lead to atrophy of the thenar muscles at the base of the thumb, reducing grip and pinch strength.
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) provide objective evidence of conduction delay and denervation.
Records to review: Electrodiagnostic testing (EMG and nerve conduction study reports); Physical examination documenting Tinel's and Phalen's test results; Clinical notes recording hand dominance, grip strength, and sensory testing.
Evidence
Evidence that may clarify the published criteria
VA forms and DBQs (from VA.gov)
Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms
The public DBQ shows the kinds of findings an examiner may record. A veteran may review it, or may share it with a private clinician, before a C&P exam. RatingScope does not tell any person what to submit.
Terminology
Plain-English terms
Common Questions
Questions veterans commonly ask
Ready when you are
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Median Nerve is evaluated under the Upper-Extremity Peripheral Nerves assessment
RatingScope compares Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Median Nerve records using the published criteria in the Upper-Extremity Peripheral Nerves assessment. Compare your documented records against the criteria.
Informational guidance only. RatingScope does not predict, decide, or guarantee VA outcomes.
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Secondary conditions
Conditions commonly connected to Carpal Tunnel
No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Carpal Tunnel yet.
Educational Guides & Evidence Resources
In-depth analysis of DBQ forms, medical evidence thresholds, and rating schedules for Carpal Tunnel.
How VA Rates Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: DC 8515 Median Nerve and Dominance Criteria
Understand how the VA evaluates carpal tunnel syndrome under 38 CFR 4.124a (DC 8515) based on median nerve paralysis, dexterity loss, and hand dominance.
How VA Rates Wrist Pain: DC 5214-5215 Dorsiflexion, Palmar Flexion, and Ankylosis Guide
Learn how the VA evaluates wrist pain and limited motion under 38 CFR 4.71a (DC 5214-5215) using dorsiflexion, palmar flexion, and hand dominance.
Radiculopathy vs. Peripheral Neuropathy: VA Rating Differences and Nerve Codes
Compare how the VA evaluates spinal radiculopathy versus peripheral neuropathy, distinct diagnostic codes, and bilateral factor rules.
Peripheral Nerves C&P Exam & DBQ: What VA Examiners Look For
Understand how VA examiners evaluate radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and nerve injuries using the Peripheral Nerves Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire.
Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerves: How VA Rates Arm & Hand Nerves
Learn how the VA rates upper extremity peripheral nerves under 38 CFR 4.124a, including median, ulnar, and radial nerves, and the major vs minor arm rule.
What does 38 CFR 3.350(a)(2) say about loss of use?
38 CFR 3.350(a)(2)(i) says loss of use of a hand or foot is held to exist when no effective function remains beyond what a stump with prosthesis serves.
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Compare a percentage level and combined-rating math, or review evidence context.
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