Neuralgia of the ulnar nerve
The VA rates Neuralgia of the ulnar nerve under Diagnostic Code 8716 on the scale for DC 8516, with conditional limits and separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition.
Rating schedule · DC 8716 at a glance
- Rated on
- DC 8516 scale
- CFR section
- § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
The ulnar nerve
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Neuralgia of the ulnar nerve?
DC 8716 38 CFR § 4.124a
Rated on the scale for DC 8516 (The ulnar nerve)
Each ceiling below is quoted from the regulation, with the DC 8516 row it points to and that row’s published percentages. Which one applies depends on the evidence.
Regulation text
Neuralgia, cranial or peripheral, characterized usually by a dull and intermittent pain, of typical distribution so as to identify the nerve, is to be rated on the same scale, with a maximum equal to moderate incomplete paralysis. See nerve involved for diagnostic code number and rating. Tic douloureux, or trifacial neuralgia, may be rated up to complete paralysis of the affected nerve.
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.
Other notes printed in this table
These notes appear in the same table in 38 CFR, and their text does not name DC 8716.
- Note: Lesions involving only “dissociation of extensor communis digitorum” and “paralysis below the extensor communis digitorum,” will not exceed the moderate rating under code 8514.
- Note: Not to be combined with lost motion above shoulder level.
- Note: Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or if sufficient in extent, consider radicular group ratings.
Source: 38 CFR § 4.124a, eCFR as of .
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Neuralgia of the ulnar 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.
- 8711Neuralgia of the middle radicular group
- 8712Neuralgia of the lower radicular group
- 8713Neuralgia of all radicular groups
- 8714Neuralgia of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)
- 8715Neuralgia of the median nerve
- 8717Neuralgia of the musculocutaneous nerve
- 8718Neuralgia of the circumflex nerve
- 8719Neuralgia of the long thoracic nerve
- 8720Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve
- 8721Neuralgia of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)
What to do with a Neuralgia of the ulnar nerve rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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- 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.
Common Questions About Neuralgia of the ulnar nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Neuralgia of the ulnar nerve?
DC 8716 is rated on the DC 8516 scale, 38 CFR § 4.124a. “Neuralgia, cranial or peripheral, characterized usually by a dull and intermittent pain, of typical distribution so as to identify the nerve, is to be rated on the same scale, with a maximum equal to moderate incomplete paralysis.” (38 CFR § 4.124): up to the “Moderate” level, dominant arm 30% maximum, non-dominant arm 20% maximum. “When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be for the mild, or at most, the moderate degree.” (38 CFR § 4.124a): up to the “Moderate” level, dominant arm 30% maximum, non-dominant arm 20% maximum.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Neuralgia of the ulnar nerve?
The VA rates Neuralgia of the ulnar nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8716, published in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Neuralgia of the ulnar nerve?
The key evidence for Neuralgia of the ulnar 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.
What happens at the C&P exam for Neuralgia of the ulnar nerve?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8716 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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