Paralysis of the ulnar nerve
The VA rates Paralysis of the ulnar nerve under Diagnostic Code 8516 across 6 severity levels, from 10% to 60%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 8516 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 6
- CFR section
- § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis of the ulnar nerve?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild; 10 Note: Ulnar nerve injury causes clawing of ring/little fingers ("ulnar claw"). |
| 20% | Moderate; 30 |
| 30% | Severe; 40 |
| 40% | Severe; 30 |
| 50% | 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% | 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; 50 |
“Severe; 30”
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Paralysis 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.
- 8511Paralysis of the middle radicular groupRated up to 70%
- 8512Paralysis of the lower radicular groupRated up to 70%
- 8513Paralysis of all radicular groupsRated up to 80%
- 8514Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)Rated up to 70%
- 8515Paralysis of the median nerveRated up to 70%
- 8517Paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerveRated up to 30%
- 8518Paralysis of the circumflex nerveRated up to 50%
- 8519Paralysis of the long thoracic nerveRated up to 30%
- 8520Paralysis of the sciatic nerveRated up to 80%
- 8521Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)Rated up to 40%
Common Questions About Paralysis of the ulnar nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of the ulnar nerve?
The VA rates Paralysis of the ulnar nerve under Diagnostic Code 8516 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Mild; 10. The maximum 60% rating requires: 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; 50.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of the ulnar nerve?
The VA rates Paralysis of the ulnar nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8516, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 60% rating for Paralysis of the ulnar nerve?
A 10% rating requires: Mild; 10. A 60% rating requires: 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; 50. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Paralysis of the ulnar nerve qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Paralysis of the ulnar nerve alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Paralysis of the ulnar nerve?
The key evidence for Paralysis 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 Paralysis of the ulnar nerve?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8516 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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