Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve
The VA rates Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8616 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 40%. The 40% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 8616 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.123
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild; 10 |
| 20% | Moderate; 30 |
| 30% | Severe; 40 |
| 40% | Incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve: Severe. Marked intrinsic muscle atrophy and weakness; severe "claw hand" deformity affecting 4th and 5th fingers; significant impairment of hand function; complete sensory loss in ulnar distribution. (Neuritis — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.123) |
“Severe; 40”
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Neuritis 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.
- 8611Neuritis of the Middle Radicular GroupRated up to 40%
- 8612Neuritis of the Lower Radicular GroupRated up to 40%
- 8613Neuritis of All Radicular GroupsRated up to 40%
- 8614Neuritis of the Musculospiral Nerve (Radial Nerve)Rated up to 40%
- 8615Neuritis of the Median NerveRated up to 40%
- 8617Neuritis of the Musculocutaneous NerveRated up to 30%
- 8618Neuritis of the Circumflex NerveRated up to 40%
- 8619Neuritis of the Long Thoracic NerveRated up to 30%
- 8620Neuritis of the Sciatic NerveRated up to 60%
- 8621Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal)Rated up to 40%
Common Questions About Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve?
The VA rates Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8616 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Mild; 10. The maximum 40% rating requires: Incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve: Severe. Marked intrinsic muscle atrophy and weakness; severe "claw hand" deformity affecting 4th and 5th fingers; significant impairment of hand function; complete sensory loss in ulnar distribution. (Neuritis — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.123).
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve?
The VA rates Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8616, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.123. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 40% rating for Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve?
A 10% rating requires: Mild; 10. A 40% rating requires: Incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve: Severe. Marked intrinsic muscle atrophy and weakness; severe "claw hand" deformity affecting 4th and 5th fingers; significant impairment of hand function; complete sensory loss in ulnar distribution. (Neuritis — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.123). The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve maxes at 40%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve?
The key evidence for Neuritis 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 Neuritis of the Ulnar Nerve?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8616 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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