Capral Tunnel
The VA evaluates carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) under 38 CFR § 4.124a using Diagnostic Code 8515, which covers the median nerve. Carpal tunnel is considered a type of peripheral neuropathy due to compression of the median nerve at the wrist.
Please read select your dominant arm, then proceed to the quiz questions.
The VA rating system determines the severity based on your Range of Motion on a “Flare-Up”. Consider a Flare-Up as the worst day in the last year.
Step 1. Helpful Videos
Please review the video’s that demonstrate the range of motion.
Carpal Tunnel The VA can rate carpal tunnel on the right and left wrist. Your dominant arm can receive a higher rating than your non dominant arm. Do you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in your right hand/wrist? Is you pain mild, moderate, or severe?
Step 2:
The VA evaluates ankle disabilities primarily under the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, depending on the condition’s severity, range of motion, and associated symptoms.
You will complete the RIGHT Ankle, then the LEFT Ankle. Please select NOT APPLICABLE if you do not have pain.
The ankle can have 1 Rating. The highest of Plantar Flexion or Extension, or Total Joint Replacement.
Step 3:
Review the Key Factors:
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Which hand is dominant
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Severity of symptoms
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Whether the impairment is incomplete or complete paralysis*
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*Complete paralysis is defined as the hand inclined to the ulnar side, index and middle fingers in extension, thumb abducted, inability to flex wrist or fingers, and wasting of muscles.
| Exam Factors | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Muscle strength | Grip weakness, dropping objects |
| Sensory function | Numbness, tingling in thumb/index fingers |
| Reflex testing | Diminished or abnormal reflexes |
| Coordination/fine motor control | Difficulty buttoning shirts, typing |
| Nerve conduction studies / EMG (if available) | Confirm median nerve compression |
Step 3:
Capral Tunnel
Continue with the quiz for both the right and left sides. When completed, you will view the results of your quiz.