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.

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% – 50%

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

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 →

Related Conditions

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

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

Trigeminal Neuralgia

DC 8205·Neurological

Condition Rating Guides

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

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8516

Rating range

10% – 50%

Rating levels

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.