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DC 8516Neurological Conditions38 CFR Part 4, DC 8516

Paralysis of the Ulnar Nerve

VA disability rating criteria for Paralysis of the Ulnar Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8516. The VA assigns ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% based on the severity and functional impact of your condition.

Rating Criteria

10%Disability Rating

Incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve: Mild. Slight weakness of intrinsic hand muscles (interossei, hypothenar muscles); mild sensory deficit in ring and little fingers; grip strength slightly reduced.

Note: Ulnar nerve injury causes clawing of ring/little fingers ("ulnar claw").

20%Disability Rating

Moderate; 30

30%Disability Rating

Incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve: Moderate. Significant weakness of intrinsic hand muscles with beginning "claw hand" deformity; impaired fine motor control; moderate sensory loss over medial hand and fingers 4-5.

40%Disability Rating

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.

50%Disability Rating

Complete; the “griffin claw” deformity, due to flexor contraction of ring and little fingers, atrophy very marked in dorsal interspace and thenar and hypothenar eminences; loss of extension of ring and little fingers cannot spread the fingers (or reverse), cannot adduct the thumb; flexion of wrist weakened; 60

60%Disability Rating

Complete paralysis of the ulnar nerve: Total loss of intrinsic hand muscle function; complete clawing of ring and little fingers; inability to abduct/adduct fingers; complete sensory loss over medial palm, ring and little fingers; hand essentially non-functional for fine tasks.

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