Ulnar Nerve Paralysis

DC 8516Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8516

Paralysis or dysfunction of the ulnar nerve, which controls sensation in the ring and little fingers and the fine motor muscles of the hand. Ulnar nerve damage causes a characteristic "claw hand" deformity and difficulty with grip strength and finger coordination. The dominant (major) hand receives higher ratings 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. 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 in your non-dominant (minor) hand. If it is your dominant hand, the rating is 60%. You have the "griffin claw" deformity with loss of finger flexion and spreading.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of ulnar nerve function
Griffin claw deformity documented on examination
Marked atrophy of interosseous and hypothenar muscles
Inability to spread or adduct fingers
Loss of thumb adduction documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not specifying which hand is dominant — the VA assigns different ratings for the dominant (major) vs. non-dominant (minor) hand at every level above mild. Always clearly document handedness.
⚠Not getting nerve conduction studies that test the ulnar nerve at multiple sites — this helps localize the injury (wrist, elbow, or above) and document severity objectively.
⚠Not documenting the in-service cause — ulnar nerve injuries commonly result from elbow fractures, repetitive leaning on hard surfaces, blast injuries, or prolonged use of vibrating equipment in service.
⚠Not filing separately for cubital tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve paralysis if both exist — the location and severity of nerve damage determine which code applies.

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 Paralysis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8516

Rating range

10% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of ulnar nerve function
Griffin claw deformity documented on examination
Marked atrophy of interosseous and hypothenar muscles
Inability to spread or adduct fingers
Loss of thumb adduction documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not specifying which hand is dominant — the VA assigns different ratings for the dominant (major) vs. non-dominant (minor) hand at every level above mild. Always clearly document handedness.

⚠Not getting nerve conduction studies that test the ulnar nerve at multiple sites — this helps localize the injury (wrist, elbow, or above) and document severity objectively.

⚠Not documenting the in-service cause — ulnar nerve injuries commonly result from elbow fractures, repetitive leaning on hard surfaces, blast injuries, or prolonged use of vibrating equipment in service.

⚠Not filing separately for cubital tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve paralysis if both exist — the location and severity of nerve damage determine which code applies.