VA Disability Rating for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis
Diagnostic Code 8516 · 38 CFR §4.124a
What Is It?
The ulnar nerve runs along the inner side of your arm and controls many of the small muscles in your hand that are responsible for fine movements. It also provides sensation to your ring and little fingers. When the ulnar nerve is damaged, you may develop a claw hand deformity where your ring and little fingers curl inward, lose grip strength, and have difficulty with tasks requiring precise hand movements like typing or turning keys. Veterans commonly develop ulnar nerve problems from elbow fractures, prolonged leaning on hard surfaces during field operations, blast injuries, or direct trauma to the arm or elbow area.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Complete paralysis in the dominant hand with griffin claw deformity and total loss of finger flexion in the ring and little fingers |
| 50% | Complete paralysis in the non-dominant hand |
| 40% | Severe incomplete paralysis in the dominant hand with significant weakness and sensory loss |
| 30% | Severe incomplete paralysis in the non-dominant hand |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis in the dominant hand |
| 10% | Moderate incomplete paralysis in the non-dominant hand |
Evidence Needed
- Medical records showing ulnar nerve damage connected to military service
- Electromyography and nerve conduction study results at the elbow or wrist
- Documentation of grip and pinch strength deficits
- Records showing which hand is dominant
- Photographs documenting any claw hand deformity if present
C&P Exam Tips
- Show the examiner any claw deformity in your ring and little fingers
- Demonstrate difficulty spreading your fingers apart and bringing them together
- Show weakness when pinching between your thumb and index finger
- Describe numbness and tingling in your ring and little fingers
- Explain specific work or daily tasks that have become difficult
How to File
File under DC 8516 for ulnar nerve paralysis. Include nerve testing that localizes the problem to the ulnar nerve, whether at the elbow or wrist level. Clearly document your handedness as the rating differs between dominant and non-dominant hands.
Common Mistakes
Not getting nerve testing to confirm ulnar nerve involvement versus other hand nerve conditions Failing to document the claw hand deformity with photographs Not mentioning the sensory loss in the ring and little fingers alongside the motor weakness Missing the connection between an old elbow injury and the nerve damage that developed later
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cubital tunnel syndrome and is it the same as ulnar nerve paralysis?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. It is the most common cause of ulnar nerve problems. If the compression is severe enough and causes lasting damage, it can progress to ulnar nerve paralysis. VA rates the resulting nerve damage under DC 8516 regardless of the underlying cause.
Can I get separate ratings for ulnar nerve damage and an elbow condition?
Yes, you can receive a rating for the elbow joint condition and a separate rating for the ulnar nerve damage, as they affect different functions. The elbow rating addresses joint limitation while the nerve rating addresses hand weakness and sensory loss.