Paralysis of the median nerve
The VA rates Paralysis of the median nerve under Diagnostic Code 8515, with separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm: 10% to 70% for the dominant arm and 10% to 60% for the non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition. There are 3 documented secondary conditions linked to Paralysis of the median nerve.
Rating schedule · DC 8515 at a glance
- Dominant arm
- 10% to 70%
- Non-dominant arm
- 10% to 60%
- CFR section
- § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 3
Major column of the published table
Minor column of the published table
Where this code is published
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis of the median nerve?
DC 8515 is rated separately for your dominant arm and your non-dominant arm. 38 CFR § 4.69 decides which arm is dominant.
Source: 38 CFR § 4.124a, eCFR as of .
Notes for DC 8515
- The term “incomplete paralysis,” with this and other peripheral nerve injuries, indicates a degree of lost or impaired function substantially less than the type picture for complete paralysis given with each nerve, whether due to varied level of the nerve lesion or to partial regeneration. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be for the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateral involvement; when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor.
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
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Paralysis of the median nerve in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 8510Paralysis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)
- 8511Paralysis of the middle radicular group
- 8512Paralysis of the lower radicular group
- 8513Paralysis of all radicular groups
- 8514Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)
- 8516Paralysis of the ulnar nerve
- 8517Paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerve
- 8518Paralysis of the circumflex nerve
- 8519Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve
- 8520Paralysis of the sciatic nerve
What to do with a Paralysis of the median nerve rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
On this site
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- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
- VA Secondary Conditions Explained: Causation vs AggravationA service-connected condition can cause or worsen other conditions. Learn how 38 CFR 3.310 secondary service connection works: causation versus aggravation.
- TDIU: 100 Percent VA Pay Without a 100 Percent RatingTDIU pays the 100% VA compensation rate without a 100% rating. See the percentage paths, the extraschedular route under 38 CFR 4.16(b), and how work affects it.
Common Questions About Paralysis of the median nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of the median nerve?
Dominant arm: 10% to 70%; non-dominant arm: 10% to 60%, under DC 8515, 38 CFR § 4.124a. The applicable column depends on which arm is dominant under 38 CFR § 4.69.
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, published in 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% dominant-arm rating for Paralysis of the median nerve?
These figures are the dominant-arm column of DC 8515. A 10% dominant-arm rating is published for: Incomplete: Mild. A 70% dominant-arm rating is published for: 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. The non-dominant arm is rated on its own column, 10% to 60%.
Can Paralysis of the median nerve qualify for TDIU?
Using the dominant-arm maximum: DC 8515 publishes up to 70% for the dominant arm and up to 60% for the non-dominant arm. A 70% rating for one disability meets the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% (38 CFR § 4.16(a)); if the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, VA pays 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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