Paralysis of the Median Nerve
The VA rates Paralysis of the Median Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8515 across 7 severity levels, from 10% to 70%. At 70%, a veteran with no dependents receives $1,808.45 per month, tax-free (2026 rates); dependents add to that. There are 3 documented secondary conditions linked to Paralysis of the Median Nerve.
Rating schedule — DC 8515 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 70%
- Rating tiers
- 7
- CFR section
- § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 3
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis of the Median Nerve?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild; 10 Note: The median nerve controls forearm pronation, wrist flexion, opposition of the thumb, and sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of ring fingers. Ratings apply to the major (dominant) extremity; minor extremity is rated one level lower. |
| 20% | Moderate; 30 |
| 30% | Moderate; 20 |
| 40% | Severe; 50 |
| 50% | Severe; 40 |
| 60% | Complete; the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, considerable atrophy of the muscles of the thenar eminence, the thumb in the plane of the hand (ape hand); pronation incomplete and defective, absence of flexion of index finger and feeble flexion of middle finger, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended; cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb, defective opposition and abduction of the thumb, at right angles to palm; flexion of wrist weakened; pain with trophic disturbances; 70 |
| 70% | Complete; the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, considerable atrophy of the muscles of the thenar eminence, the thumb in the plane of the hand (ape hand); pronation incomplete and defective, absence of flexion of index finger and feeble flexion of middle finger, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended; cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb, defective opposition and abduction of the thumb, at right angles to palm; flexion of wrist weakened; pain with trophic disturbances; 60 Note: Complete median nerve paralysis at 70% (major extremity) represents the maximum rating. The hand is functionally impaired in all grasp, pinch, and fine motor tasks. |
“Severe; 50”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Paralysis of the Median Nerve?
View 3 secondary conditions linked to Paralysis of the Median Nerve
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Paralysis of the Median Nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of the Median Nerve?
The VA rates Paralysis of the Median Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8515 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Mild; 10. The maximum 70% rating requires: Complete; the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, considerable atrophy of the muscles of the thenar eminence, the thumb in the plane of the hand (ape hand); pronation incomplete and defective, absence of flexion of index finger and feeble flexion of middle finger, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended; cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb, defective opposition and abduction of the thumb, at right angles to palm; flexion of wrist weakened; pain with trophic disturbances; 60.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of the Median Nerve?
The VA rates Paralysis of the Median Nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8515, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 70% rating for Paralysis of the Median Nerve?
A 10% rating requires: Mild; 10. A 70% rating requires: Complete; the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, considerable atrophy of the muscles of the thenar eminence, the thumb in the plane of the hand (ape hand); pronation incomplete and defective, absence of flexion of index finger and feeble flexion of middle finger, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended; cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb, defective opposition and abduction of the thumb, at right angles to palm; flexion of wrist weakened; pain with trophic disturbances; 60. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Paralysis of the Median Nerve qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 70% rating for Paralysis of the Median Nerve alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Paralysis of the Median Nerve?
The key evidence for Paralysis of the Median Nerve is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis distinguish the rating tiers. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Paralysis of the Median Nerve?
Paralysis of the Median Nerve is associated with 3 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Paralysis of the Median Nerve?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8515 rating criteria. The examiner tests reflexes, sensation, and motor function. If nerve damage is suspected, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be ordered. Distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis — the rating difference is significant.
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