Ulnar Nerve Neuralgia — VA Disability Rating (DC 8716)
Diagnostic Code 8716 · 38 CFR §4.124
What Is It?
Neuralgia of the ulnar nerve (DC 8716) refers to chronic nerve pain along its distribution without the structural changes seen in neuritis or paralysis. The ulnar nerve passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow and Guyon's canal at the wrist, controlling fine motor movements of the ring and little fingers and providing sensation to the inner hand. Under 38 CFR §4.124, neuralgia, characterized usually by a dull and intermittent pain of typical distribution so as to identify the nerve, is rated on the same scale as the nerve involved — here DC 8516 — with a maximum equal to moderate incomplete paralysis. DC 8516 prints incomplete paralysis with separate figures for the major (dominant) and minor (non-dominant) arm: severe 40 and 30 percent, moderate 30 and 20 percent, and mild 10 percent for either arm. That puts DC 8716 at 10, 20, and 30 percent.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Moderate incomplete paralysis level of DC 8516 in the major (dominant) arm. Moderate is the neuralgia maximum under §4.124. |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis level of DC 8516 in the minor (non-dominant) arm. Moderate is the neuralgia maximum under §4.124. |
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis level of DC 8516. Same rating for the major and the minor arm. |
Evidence Needed
- Medical records documenting chronic nerve pain connected to military service
- Nerve conduction studies or EMG to rule out paralysis and confirm neuralgia diagnosis
- Pain management records showing treatment with neuropathic pain medications
- Documentation of pain frequency, intensity, and functional impact
- If claiming secondary to another condition, a medical nexus opinion linking the neuralgia to your service-connected disability
C&P Exam Tips
- Describe the character of your pain — burning, shooting, aching, or electric sensations
- Explain how often the pain occurs and how it limits use of your hand and ring/little fingers
- Bring a log of pain episodes if you keep one
- Mention all medications tried and their effectiveness
- Describe your worst days, not just how you feel at the exam
How to File
File under DC 8716 on VA Form 21-526EZ. If claiming as secondary to a service-connected condition, identify the primary disability and explain how it causes chronic nerve pain. Include documentation of pain frequency and intensity. VA rates neuralgia on the DC 8516 scale with a maximum equal to moderate incomplete paralysis (30 percent for the major arm, 20 for the minor), so document how often the pain occurs and how it limits you, and which arm is your dominant one.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is not filing for neuralgia as a separate condition from the underlying nerve injury or spine condition. Veterans also frequently fail to document the frequency and severity of pain episodes, which makes it difficult for the examiner to assign an appropriate rating. Ensure your diagnosis specifically names neuralgia of the ulnar nerve rather than generic chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is neuralgia (DC 8716) different from neuritis (DC 8616)?
Neuritis involves inflammation with objective findings like reflex loss and muscle atrophy, while neuralgia refers to nerve pain without those structural changes. Both are rated on the DC 8516 scale, but the ceilings differ: neuritis can reach the severe incomplete paralysis level (§4.123), while neuralgia stops at moderate (§4.124).
Can neuralgia be rated separately from my spine condition?
Yes. Neuralgia of a peripheral nerve can be rated separately from the spinal condition causing it, just as radiculopathy can. The spine is rated for its skeletal limitation and the nerve is rated for its neurological symptoms. File them as separate conditions on your claim.