VA Disability Rating for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Rated as median nerve paralysis: 10% mild → 70% complete (dominant). EMG study is the gold-standard evidence.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is rated under DC 8515 (paralysis of the median nerve) in 38 CFR § 4.124a. Ratings are based on severity of incomplete paralysis (mild / moderate / severe) or complete paralysis, with the dominant hand rated higher than the non-dominant hand at the moderate-and-above tiers.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Mild incomplete paralysis (dominant or minor). |
| 30% | $552.47 | Moderate incomplete paralysis — dominant hand. (Minor: 20%.) |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | Severe incomplete paralysis — dominant hand. (Minor: 40%.) |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | Complete paralysis of the median nerve — dominant hand. (Minor: 60%.) |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 50%: $1,132.90/mo · $13,595/year, tax-free
- →At 70%: $1,808.45/mo · $21,701/year, tax-free
How to get rated for carpal tunnel syndrome
- EMG / nerve conduction study confirming median nerve involvement — this is the single most important piece of evidence.
- C&P with EMG findings + sensory testing + Tinel/Phalen results.
- Document grip strength loss, thumb/index numbness, night symptoms.
- File bilaterally if both wrists are affected — bilateral factor adds 10%.
Common secondary conditions
- +Wrist strain
- +Cervical radiculopathy (must rule out)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Repetitive-use MOS (typist, mechanic, infantry weapons handling, medical, IT) is well-documented as a CTS cause.
- Often diagnosed years after service — ongoing wrist/hand symptoms in STRs anchor the nexus.
- Post-surgical CTS is still rated by residual nerve impairment, not by the surgery itself.
Frequently asked
I had carpal tunnel surgery and feel mostly better. Can I still be rated?
Yes — VA rates by current residual paralysis. Most post-surgical vets retain at least mild residuals (occasional numbness, weakness) and qualify for the 10% mild rating.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.