Carpal tunnel has become a common diagnosis among Veterans and affects up to 10 million people (about the same population as Michigan) in the United States. While the issue is widely known, what is less clear is how Veterans can claim VA disability benefits related to this condition.
What is Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel is caused by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow space in the wrist that protects the median nerve and tendons that bend the fingers.
Symptoms can include but are not limited to tingling and numbness in the hand or wrist, sharp pain that shoots up the arm or down to the fingers, hand stiffness or cramping, especially in the morning, trouble making a fist, and hand weakness and clumsiness. These symptoms often develop gradually over time and are more prominent in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Several factors might increase a Veteran’s risk of developing carpal tunnel, such as:
- Being assigned female at birth
- Being pregnant
- Being overweight
- Having diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
- Repetitive hand movement
Carpal Tunnel VA Disability Rating Criteria
The VA assigns disability ratings to qualifying Veterans based on the severity of their carpal tunnel condition under 38 CFR § 4.124a Schedule of Ratings – neurological conditions and convulsive disorders. Ratings range from 10% to 70% based on the following criteria.
10% – Symptoms are present in either the dominant or non-dominant hand and the carpal tunnel causes mild paralysis in the affected hand(s)
20% to 30% – The carpal tunnel causes moderate paralysis in the hand(s). For a 20% rating, the following effect is in the non-dominant hand, and for a 30% rating, the effect is in the dominant hand.
40% to 50% – The carpal tunnel causes severe paralysis in the hand(s). For a 40% rating, the following effect is in the non-dominant hand, and for a 50% rating, the effect is in the dominant hand.
60% to 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. This rating is 70% for the dominant hand and 60% for the non-dominant hand.
Filing A Claim For A VA Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Rating
Are you having a tough time navigating through the carpal tunnel claims process? Don’t fret, Veteran Ratings is here to make understanding VA disability claims easy for you. With our knowledge of handling any VA disability benefits, including those associated with Carpal Tunnel, we’re confident in guiding and consulting you.
First-time claim filers must consult VA-networked physicians for a compensation and pension (C&P) exam, which is crucial for detailing the extent of the condition and its impact on daily life. Veterans seeking a higher disability rating for carpal tunnel can get help from Veteran Ratings’ partner network. This group of medical experts understands Veterans’ conditions well, to get a more precise evaluation of any changes over time.
Veteran Ratings provides in-depth knowledge and guidance to Veterans, supporting them at every step. First, we’ll evaluate any service-related disabilities. If eligible, you’ll be matched with one of our top-tier partner consultants. They’ll discuss a potential new rating, inform you about the process and procedures, and set clear expectations for moving forward.
Veterans whose carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis occurred post-active duty may still be eligible for benefits, especially if the condition can be linked to service-related activities.
Appeals and Reconsiderations
If your disability claim for carpal tunnel is denied, you will receive a denial letter from the VA on how they reached their decision. You can use this information to determine what new evidence you should submit with your appeal, which you must do within one year after you get the decision letter.
However, due to the complex nature of supplemental claims and appeals, Veteran Ratings and our consulting partners only guide current clients.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carpal Tunnel Claims
Can I Claim a Service Connection for Carpal Tunnel If Symptoms Appeared Before Military Service?
Veterans who entered active duty with pre-existing hand pain may be able to claim service connection by aggravation if their carpal tunnel worsens. Medical records for aggravated carpal tunnel must prove that the worse condition is not temporary. A doctor must also provide written documentation that the carpal tunnel worsened strictly due to military service and not natural conditional progression.
Can I Claim a Service Connection for Carpal Tunnel If Symptoms Appeared After Military Service?
Carpal Tunnel symptoms triggered or made worse by active-duty activities may not appear until long after service is complete. Veterans can establish a disability claim after the fact, but they may have to provide medical records and tests from active-duty treatment to help support a disability claim.
Is There a Time Limit For Filing A VA Carpal Tunnel Rating Claim?
There is no time limit on filing a post-service claim. The process may become more complicated the longer you wait, so it is best to file a claim sooner rather than later in most cases.
Can A VA Carpal Tunnel Disability Rating Change Over Time?
The change that is most likely to happen with a carpal tunnel disability rating will depend on whether the VA determines if the carpal tunnel will improve or remain consistent over time. A temporary rating may be assigned if the condition is rated to improve over time, and a permanent rating will be assigned if the condition is rated to remain consistent.
Are VA Disability Benefits for Carpal Tunnel Taxable?
All VA disability benefits are not taxable.
How Much Will I Receive If My Carpal Tunnel Disability Claim Is Approved?
You can view the VA’s complete schedule of disability ratings and corresponding payments to understand better what to expect when you are approved.
