Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

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 pinky fingers. The VA rates this under the ulnar nerve code. The dominant hand receives a higher rating at moderate and above levels.

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the ulnar nerve (non-dominant hand). The dominant hand is rated at 60%. Your hand shows a claw deformity with inability to spread or close the fingers, and complete loss of grip strength in the ring and pinky fingers.

What the VA looks for

Complete paralysis of ulnar nerve
Griffin claw deformity of ring and little fingers
Severe atrophy of interosseous muscles and hypothenar eminence
Inability to spread or close fingers
Loss of thumb adduction
EMG/NCS confirming complete ulnar nerve paralysis

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) — this is the most important objective test for ulnar nerve entrapment. Without it, the VA may underrate your condition.
⚠Not specifying which hand is dominant — the dominant hand receives a higher rating at moderate and above levels. Make sure your records clearly state your handedness.
⚠Not filing each arm separately — if both elbows are affected, each is rated independently under its own diagnostic code.
⚠Not connecting ulnar nerve entrapment to repetitive duties in service — leaning on elbows in vehicles, operating equipment, and heavy lifting can all cause or worsen the condition.
⚠Not documenting functional limitations in daily life — difficulty typing, writing, buttoning shirts, turning keys, and gripping tools all show how the condition affects you.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Complete paralysis of ulnar nerve
Griffin claw deformity of ring and little fingers
Severe atrophy of interosseous muscles and hypothenar eminence
Inability to spread or close fingers
Loss of thumb adduction
EMG/NCS confirming complete ulnar nerve paralysis

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) — this is the most important objective test for ulnar nerve entrapment. Without it, the VA may underrate your condition.

⚠Not specifying which hand is dominant — the dominant hand receives a higher rating at moderate and above levels. Make sure your records clearly state your handedness.

⚠Not filing each arm separately — if both elbows are affected, each is rated independently under its own diagnostic code.

⚠Not connecting ulnar nerve entrapment to repetitive duties in service — leaning on elbows in vehicles, operating equipment, and heavy lifting can all cause or worsen the condition.

⚠Not documenting functional limitations in daily life — difficulty typing, writing, buttoning shirts, turning keys, and gripping tools all show how the condition affects you.