Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 8515
Median Nerve Paralysis Secondary to Tenosynovitis
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 Tenosynovitis.
Why Median Nerve Paralysis Is Linked to Tenosynovitis
Wrist tendon inflammation may lead to nerve compression
Primary condition · VASRD 5024
Tenosynovitis
Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the sheath that surrounds a tendon, causing pain, swelling and catching on movement. Since February 7, 2021 DC 5024 has covered a wider family — the schedule titles it "Tenosynovitis, tendinitis, tendinosis or tendinopathy", so rotator cuff tendinitis, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, lateral epicondylitis, Achilles tendinopathy and trigger finger are all rated here. The code has no percentages of its own: it is rated as degenerative arthritis, on limitation of motion of the affected part.
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 Tenosynovitis — severity of Median Nerve Paralysis itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
10% Tenosynovitis + 30% Median Nerve Paralysis = 37%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 10% and 30% combine to 37%, not 40%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
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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 Tenosynovitis
- Can Median Nerve Paralysis be service-connected as secondary to Tenosynovitis?
- 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. Wrist tendon inflammation may lead to nerve compression You'll need a current Median Nerve Paralysis diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your servi…
- 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 Tenosynovitis.
- 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 10% rating for Tenosynovitis combined with a 30% rating for Median Nerve Paralysis (example figures) produces a combined rating of 37%, not 40%. Approving Median Nerve Paralysis as secondary still typically raises your ov…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Median Nerve Paralysis as secondary to Tenosynovitis?
- 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 Tenosynovitis guide
Secondary condition
Full Median Nerve Paralysis guide
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See how Tenosynovitis and Median Nerve Paralysis combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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