Median Nerve / Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
DC 8515 §4.124a Neurological ICD-10: G56.00 Direct
Median nerve compression in the wrist. Common from repetitive duty.
Common symptoms
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness in hand
- Pain in wrist/hand
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 70% | Complete paralysis (dominant); 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, inability to make a fist, the 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 |
| 60% | Complete paralysis (non-dominant) |
| 50% | Severe incomplete (dominant) |
| 40% | Severe incomplete (non-dominant); or moderate (dominant) |
| 30% | Moderate incomplete (non-dominant); or mild (dominant) |
| 10% | Mild incomplete (non-dominant) |
Filing this claim
This is typically filed as a direct service connection claim. You need a current diagnosis, evidence of in-service event or exposure, and a nexus letter linking them. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.124a. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.