VASRD 8515 · Neurological Conditions

Median Nerve Paralysis VA Disability Rating

Damage to the median nerve causing weakness, pain, or paralysis in the hand.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
70%No hand function on dominant side
50%No hand function, non-dominant
30%Severe pain/weakness
10%Numbness or occasional pain

How the VA Evaluates Median Nerve Paralysis

EMG studies, strength testing, grip evaluation.

Approval rate

Moderate – stronger if EMG shows severe dysfunction.

Annual service-connected

26,000 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Nerve conduction study
  • •Grip strength comparison
  • •Occupational impact evidence

Strategy Tips

  • •Include EMG/NCS test results
  • •Show work-related limitations
  • •Explain which fingers are affected

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No nerve test results
  • •General wrist pain without nerve findings

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No dominant hand mentioned
  • •Only pain described, no function loss

Onset Patterns

  • •Often due to repetitive stress or trauma at wrist/forearm

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Median Nerve Paralysis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    Median nerve passes through wrist

  • Loss of Grip Strength

    Median nerve affects finger flexion

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Median Nerve Paralysis is frequently claimed.

Army17CCyber Operations SpecialistArmy25BInformation Technology SpecialistArmy25MMultimedia IllustratorArmy27DParalegal SpecialistArmy35GGeospatial Intelligence Imagery AnalystArmy36AFinancial ManagerArmy36BFinancial Management TechnicianArmy42AHuman Resources SpecialistArmy68EDental SpecialistArmy68GPatient Administration SpecialistAir Force1B4X1Cyber Warfare OperationsAir Force1N1X1Geospatial Intelligence

Common questions about Median Nerve Paralysis

Is Median Nerve Paralysis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Median Nerve Paralysis under VASRD diagnostic code 8515 (Neurological Conditions). Damage to the median nerve causing weakness, pain, or paralysis in the hand.
What VA disability rating can I get for Median Nerve Paralysis?
Possible VA ratings for Median Nerve Paralysis are 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 70% — No hand function on dominant side; 50% — No hand function, non-dominant; 30% — Severe pain/weakness.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Median Nerve Paralysis?
The average awarded rating for Median Nerve Paralysis is 30%. Roughly 26,000 veterans are service-connected for Median Nerve Paralysis each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – stronger if EMG shows severe dysfunction..
What evidence helps prove Median Nerve Paralysis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Median Nerve Paralysis claim includes: Nerve conduction study; Grip strength comparison; Occupational impact evidence.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Median Nerve Paralysis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Median Nerve Paralysis: No dominant hand mentioned; Only pain described, no function loss.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Median Nerve Paralysis?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Median Nerve Paralysis include: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Loss of Grip Strength. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Median Nerve Paralysis combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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