Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at Elbow)

DC 8516Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8516 — Ulnar Nerve Paralysis

Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the ring and little fingers. Common from prolonged elbow flexion in military vehicles and equipment use. Rated based on severity of nerve paralysis.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 8516

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8516 — Ulnar Nerve Paralysis. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Complete paralysis (dominant hand) or 50% (non-dominant) — "griffin claw" deformity, loss of finger flexion in the ring and little fingers, loss of thumb adduction, and muscle atrophy.

What the VA looks for

Griffin claw deformity of ring and little fingers
Marked atrophy of interosseous and hypothenar muscles
Loss of finger flexion in ring and little fingers
Loss of thumb adduction
EMG/NCS confirming complete ulnar nerve paralysis at the elbow

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting EMG/NCS confirming ulnar nerve entrapment specifically at the elbow — this is essential to distinguish cubital tunnel from other ulnar nerve problems.
⚠Being confused with carpal tunnel syndrome — carpal tunnel affects the median nerve at the wrist, while cubital tunnel affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow. They are different conditions with different diagnostic codes.
⚠Not specifying dominant vs non-dominant hand — the dominant hand receives a higher rating at moderate and above levels.
⚠Not documenting grip strength measurements with a dynamometer — objective grip strength data supports the severity of your condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at Elbow) or rated under the same body system.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

DC 8515·Neurological·Related primary

Migraine Headaches

DC 8100·Neurological

Radiculopathy — Sciatic Nerve

DC 8520·Neurological

Peripheral Neuropathy — Lower Extremities

DC 8520·Neurological

Peripheral Neuropathy — Upper Extremities

DC 8515·Neurological

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

DC 8045·Neurological

Epilepsy — Grand Mal (Generalized Convulsive)

DC 8910·Neurological

Epilepsy — Petit Mal (Absence)

DC 8911·Neurological

Condition Rating Guides

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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at Elbow)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8516

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Complete paralysis (dominant hand) or 50% (non-dominant) — "griffin claw" deformity, loss of finger flexion in the ring and little fingers, loss of thumb adduction, and muscle atrophy.

What the VA looks for

Griffin claw deformity of ring and little fingers
Marked atrophy of interosseous and hypothenar muscles
Loss of finger flexion in ring and little fingers
Loss of thumb adduction
EMG/NCS confirming complete ulnar nerve paralysis at the elbow

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting EMG/NCS confirming ulnar nerve entrapment specifically at the elbow — this is essential to distinguish cubital tunnel from other ulnar nerve problems.

⚠Being confused with carpal tunnel syndrome — carpal tunnel affects the median nerve at the wrist, while cubital tunnel affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow. They are different conditions with different diagnostic codes.

⚠Not specifying dominant vs non-dominant hand — the dominant hand receives a higher rating at moderate and above levels.

⚠Not documenting grip strength measurements with a dynamometer — objective grip strength data supports the severity of your condition.