The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assigns disability ratings to veterans who are affected by medical conditions caused by their military service. This rating reflects the severity of the medical condition or disability, with higher ratings representing a more extensive or severe impact. VA disability ratings can be assigned for a wide range of conditions, one of which is carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you believe that you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome after serving in the military, contact the Law Office of Daniel Martin to discuss the possibility of applying for a VA disability rating.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Often caused by repetitive motion over prolonged periods, carpal tunnel syndrome makes the carpal tunnel in the wrist narrow. This narrowing leads to tendon swelling, which in turn puts pressure on the median nerve, causing it to compress. The median nerve travels up your arm and across your elbow and is one of the major nerves in the hand.

Veterans with carpal tunnel syndrome often experience the following symptoms in their hands, wrists, or forearms:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Pain
  • Shock-like sensations
  • Cramping or stiffness
  • Weakness
  • Loss of dexterity

Some pre-existing conditions, like arthritis, can make carpal tunnel syndrome worse or increase the likelihood that someone will develop it. Additionally, some people have naturally smaller carpal tunnels, which also increases the chance that they will develop this syndrome.

VA Disability Ratings for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What to Know

Carpal tunnel syndrome is included in the Code of Federal Regulations as paralysis of the median nerve. The VA disability rating for carpal tunnel syndrome is often the lowest rating of 10%, but many factors could change this rating, including:

  • The severity of symptoms, like pain and numbness
  • The presence of disabling symptoms in the dominant hand
  • How extensively the condition impacts daily life and employment ability

Even if your carpal tunnel syndrome includes complete paralysis in your dominant hand, the VA will typically not exceed a rating of 70% without the presence of organic changes like muscle atrophy.

Basic VA Eligibility Requirements for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are basic VA eligibility conditions that must be met in order to receive a disability rating.

Medical Diagnosis

You should have a medical record of your diagnosis, in this case for carpal tunnel syndrome, from a private physician or VA doctor or as part of your service record. You can apply for a disability rating without having a diagnosis, but it’s recommended that you have medical records associated with your disabling condition.

Service Connection

To be assigned a VA disability rating for carpal tunnel syndrome, you must be able to show that the condition was caused by or exacerbated during your military service. Another option may be to prove that your carpal tunnel syndrome is a secondary service condition, which means that an existing service-connected disability led to your carpal tunnel syndrome.

How VA Ratings Are Determined for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Veterans

It’s important that you and your VA disability attorney build a solid case to establish your disabling service-connected condition and follow the VA’s required steps to apply for a rating. To do this, you will want to:

  • Gather evidence of your diagnosis and collect medical records
  • File a claim online or mail an application to your VA Regional Office
  • Complete a compensation and pension (C&P) exam

Once each of these steps is complete, and if the VA approves your claim, you will receive your disability rating. For carpal tunnel syndrome, the rating typically ranges from 10% to 70%.

What to Expect During Your Carpal Tunnel C&P Exam

The C&P exam, or claim exam, is not a required step for every applicant. The VA may schedule an exam for you if more information is needed about your claim. You may receive a letter, phone call, or email from a VA medical center with the date and time of your exam.

A VA claim exam does not involve any treatment plans or procedures. It is solely to gather information about your carpal tunnel syndrome or other disabling condition so that the VA can make a decision on your disability claim. The following may occur at a C&P exam:

  • Physical examination
  • Questions about your medical records
  • Scheduling other tests, like X-rays

Is It Possible to Increase Your VA Rating for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If you already have a VA disability rating for carpal tunnel syndrome and can prove that your condition has worsened, you may qualify for an increased rating. Objective medical records are the best evidence for establishing the need for a higher rating. Our VA disability lawyers can help you determine which documentation will be most convincing as you prepare to file for an increase in your VA rating.

Exploring Special Compensation Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

VA special monthly compensation is a higher rate paid to veterans for specific qualifying disabilities. If your carpal tunnel syndrome is severe, meaning you have minimal functioning remaining in your hand, you may qualify for special compensation.

Contact a Tennessee VA Disability Attorney

At the Law Office of Daniel Martin, our compassion and genuine interest in our clients’ well-being set us apart from other firms. If you are looking for an experienced lawyer who is well-versed in VA disability claims, contact us to schedule a free consultation.