Ulnar Neuropathy
Ulnar neuropathy involves damage to the ulnar nerve, which controls bending the hand down at the wrist, curling the fingers, lifting the hand upward at the wrist, and opening and closing the fingers. It is rated under Diagnostic Code 8516. Ratings differ for the dominant (major) versus non-dominant (minor) hand. Complete paralysis produces the 'griffin claw' deformity due to flexor contraction of the ring and little fingers, marked atrophy in the dorsal interspace and thenar/hypothenar eminences, loss of extension of the ring and little fingers, inability to spread or close the fingers, inability to adduct the thumb, and weakened wrist flexion.
VA Rating Levels
Incomplete paralysis, mild (same for both dominant and non-dominant): tingling, mild pain, minor impact on function.
Incomplete paralysis, moderate, non-dominant hand: symptoms that meaningfully interfere with function. (30% for dominant hand.)
Incomplete paralysis, severe, non-dominant hand: seriously limited function with possible muscle atrophy. (40% for dominant hand.)
Complete paralysis, non-dominant hand: griffin claw deformity, marked atrophy, loss of finger control, weakened wrist. (60% for dominant hand.)
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve compression at the elbow) is among the most common upper extremity nerve conditions in veterans.
- →Your dominant hand receives a higher rating at the same severity level. Verify the VA has the correct hand identified as dominant.
- →The nerve can only be rated under one category: paralysis, neuritis, or neuralgia. The VA should use whichever category is the primary disability.
- →If you have both carpal tunnel and ulnar neuropathy in the same arm, only one nerve evaluation per arm is allowed.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR $ 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8516