Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 8515
Median Nerve Paralysis Secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Median Nerve Paralysis when it develops after Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable).
Why Median Nerve Paralysis Is Linked to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)
Abnormal wrist angles compress the median nerve
Primary condition · VASRD 5223
Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)
A condition where the wrist is stuck in a harmful position and cannot move.
Secondary condition · VASRD 8515
Median Nerve Paralysis
Damage to the median nerve causing weakness, pain, or paralysis in the hand.
Median Nerve Paralysis VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Median Nerve Paralysis the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) — severity of Median Nerve Paralysis itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
40% Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) + 30% Median Nerve Paralysis = 58%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 40% and 30% combine to 58%, not 70%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Median Nerve Paralysis Secondary Claim
- •Nerve conduction study results confirming the location and severity of the nerve damage.
- •Grip strength comparison between the affected and unaffected hand.
- •Evidence of occupational impact, such as difficulty performing fine motor tasks required for work.
Common questions about Median Nerve Paralysis secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)
- Can Median Nerve Paralysis be service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Abnormal wrist angles compress the median nerve You'll need a current Median Nerve Paralysis diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-conne…
- What VA rating can I get for Median Nerve Paralysis as a secondary condition?
- Median Nerve Paralysis is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 8515 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Median Nerve Paralysis itself, not on the severity of Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavora…
- How does a secondary Median Nerve Paralysis claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 40% rating for Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) combined with a 30% rating for Median Nerve Paralysis (example figures) produces a combined rating of 58%, not 70%. Approving Median Nerve Paralys…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Median Nerve Paralysis as secondary to Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable)?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Median Nerve Paralysis diagnosis includes: Nerve conduction study results confirming the location and severity of the nerve damage.; Grip strength comparison between the affected and unaffected hand.; Evidence of occupational impact, such as difficulty performing fine motor tasks req…
Primary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) guide
Secondary condition
Full Median Nerve Paralysis guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Ankylosis of the Wrist (Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable) and Median Nerve Paralysis combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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