Understanding the Link between Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Your Military Service

Navigating the intricacies of VA disability ratings can often feel like decoding a puzzle. For many veterans, the complexities of the process sometimes overshadow the application itself, leading to a lack of understanding of what benefits one is entitled to receive. Among the most common disabilities encountered by veterans is carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that can have far-reaching impacts on daily living and one’s ability to work. This guide aims to demystify the VA disability rating for carpal tunnel and provide a comprehensive look at what it means for you as a veteran.

What Is the VA Disability Rating System and How Does It Apply to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The VA Disability Rating System assigns a percentage score to a veteran based on the severity of their disabilities, which factors into the calculation of compensation. A higher percentage is indicative of more severe limitations and offers a corresponding increase in benefits. When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome, there are specific criteria that are used to determine the appropriate rating, which can range from 10% to 70%, based on various measures of the condition's impact.

For carpal tunnel specifically, the VA uses the Diagnostic Code (DC) 8515 under Part 4 of the Code of Federal Regulations to evaluate paralysis of the Median Nerve. This is not only for complete paralysis but also includes lesser degrees of sensory symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling. The extent of the symptoms and their functional impact plays a significant role in rating this condition.

Understanding the Severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the VA Rating System

Carpal tunnel syndrome can vary widely in its severity, from mild tingling and numbness to severe muscle atrophy and loss of function. This spectrum of symptoms is reflected in the VA’s disability rating system, with more severe cases warranting higher ratings.

Mild Cases (10-30%)

Mild carpal tunnel syndrome typically presents with intermittent numbness or tingling in the hand and is usually associated with a 10% disability rating. However, if it is severe enough to require some splinting or bracing, or the persistence of symptoms leads to ongoing chronic pain, the rating may be increased to 20% or 30% respectively.

Moderate Cases (40-60%)

Moderate cases of carpal tunnel syndrome involve a more persistent tingling and numbness, often accompanied by weakness and difficulty in gripping. These symptoms can necessitate more involved treatment, such as steroid injections or surgical intervention, leading to higher VA disability ratings of 40% to 60%.

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[CombatCraig]

🔵 It’s Time To Get Serious About Your Veterans Benefits!
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[ad-man]

Been working P3’s, H-3’s, MH-60’s, C-9’s, C-40’s, C-130’s for almost 24 years now. I have numbness from time to time. Getting the Navy to diagnose me I guess takes an act of congress.

[DoomSet.]

Hi CC! Can you do a video clarifying what happens to vets who have surgical procedures performed on things their getting disability for? Does our rating go away? Etc? Thanks!

[patrickfitzpatrick]

Thanks you for this show and teaching us how to express pain. We are all used to "sucking it up" and " bottling our emotion" I was 72 hours having a seizure, and just tuffed it out, I should have called an ambulance. Reach out!!!

[carlspain]

I had 3 surgery 's 2 on right hand and 1 on left hand

[chriscusack]

Still AD. VA denied my carpal tunnel which is diagnosed and documented, but did give me "Chronic wrist sprain bilateral". What gives?

[devin]

Do you have advice about claiming a hernia? I got mine during basic training and it was repaired (patched) in A-school. Long story short, it's back. I have an appointment with the VA in 10 days. Thank you for any info or reference to a previous video.

[T-Sim]

I actually just had an EMG last week that shows I have moderate bi-lateral carpal tunnel. I complained about about numbness in hands on post deployment questionnaire from Iraq. Has been documented prior as possible neck related, which I’m service connected for. I’m considering filling for this, condition started in Iraq 2006. I’m concerned they’ll say it occupational related because I work in HVAC. Should I claim it secondary to neck and how would one explain that? Secondary to neck that is.

[kevinbs]

I'm trying to get evidence of my Carpal tunnel syndrome, but I'm having a hard time proving it. EMR and X-rays show nothing, despite me actually being able to audibly crack my wrists and experience a ton of pain when squeezing, etc.. I did a c&p for it, the doc told me there's indications of it, but we'll see what they say. It was deferred with another C&P (that I didn't need to show up for), so we'll see. I was an IT in the navy, so lots of bad typing and other things that caused it.

[patrickfitzpatrick]

Does anyone else think part of the Militaries requirement upon entry should be a MRI brain scan so that military personnel can prove TBI was accured in theater???

[andrewfuzh]

Does wrist sprain leads to carpal tunnel syndrome?