Claiming Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / Ulnar Nerve Condition?
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VA Rating Tiers
60%
complete paralysis
40%
severe incomplete
20%
moderate incomplete
10%
mild incomplete
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›60%: Complete paralysis of the ulnar nerve — major (dominant) arm. Minor arm rates 50%. DC 8516.
- ›40%: Severe incomplete paralysis — major arm. Minor arm rates 30%. DC 8516.
- ›20%: Moderate incomplete paralysis — major arm. Minor arm rates 10%. DC 8516.
- ›10%: Mild incomplete paralysis — same rate for dominant and minor arm. DC 8516.
- ›0%: Neuralgia or minimal symptoms — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›Rated under DC 8516 (paralysis of ulnar nerve).
- ›Dominant (major) arm rates higher than non-dominant (minor) arm at each severity tier.
- ›Nerve conduction study (NCS) and EMG are the most important evidence — they confirm reduced ulnar nerve conduction velocity.
- ›Muscle atrophy in the hypothenar or interosseous muscles indicates more severe involvement.
- ›Carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve) is a different condition and may be claimed separately.
- ›Actual rating depends on NCS/EMG findings and clinical neurological exam at the C&P.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Cubital tunnel syndrome is rated under DC 8516 (paralysis of ulnar nerve).
- •Rating tiers by severity: mild incomplete = 10% (major) / 10% (minor); moderate incomplete = 20% (major) / 10% (minor); severe incomplete = 40% (major) / 20% (minor); complete paralysis = 60% (major) / 40% (minor).
- •The dominant (major) arm rates higher than the non-dominant (minor) arm.
- •Nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) confirming ulnar nerve compression strongly support the claim.
- •Service connection requires documenting the in-service mechanism — direct elbow trauma, prolonged pressure, or sustained awkward positions.
- •Note: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (median nerve, DC 8515) is a separate condition — if both nerves are affected, both conditions can be claimed.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call or treatment records for elbow pain, arm numbness, or ulnar nerve symptoms during service
- •records of direct elbow trauma (falls, blasts, vehicle accidents) during service
- •records of MOS duties requiring prolonged elbow bending or repetitive elbow use
- •separation physical noting upper extremity nerve symptoms
Medical Evidence
- •nerve conduction study (NCS) and EMG confirming ulnar nerve conduction abnormality at the elbow
- •neurology or orthopedic evaluation documenting ulnar nerve entrapment at the cubital tunnel
- •MRI of the elbow (nerve compression, fluid in cubital tunnel)
- •surgical records if cubital tunnel release or ulnar nerve transposition was performed
- •physical or occupational therapy records for hand and forearm strengthening
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing the in-service elbow trauma, prone firing positions, or vehicle duty that caused the nerve problem
- •statement describing current symptoms — numbness, tingling, and weakness in ring and pinky fingers
- •buddy statement noting observed difficulty with grip or hand use during or after service
Diagnostic Tests
- •Nerve conduction study (NCS) and EMG (most important — confirms ulnar nerve conduction velocity at the elbow)
- •MRI of the elbow (cubital tunnel anatomy, nerve compression)
- •Ultrasound of the ulnar nerve (nerve thickness, entrapment site)
- •Clinical provocation tests (elbow flexion test, Tinel's sign at the cubital tunnel)
- •Grip and pinch strength testing (dynamometer — compare both hands)
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Neurological / Peripheral Nerve (Upper Extremity — Ulnar Nerve)
Be ready to describe
- •which arm is affected and whether it is your dominant arm
- •the in-service mechanism — direct elbow trauma, prone positions, sustained bending
- •where the numbness and tingling is felt (ring finger, pinky, inner forearm)
- •grip weakness — whether you drop objects or have difficulty with fine motor tasks
- •whether symptoms are worse at night or when the elbow is bent
Prep notes
- •Bring your NCS/EMG report if you have had one — this is the most important document for this exam.
- •Describe the specific service activities that caused sustained pressure on the inner elbow.
- •Tell the examiner about nighttime symptoms — tingling that wakes you up when the elbow is bent.
- •Describe grip weakness and any tasks you can no longer perform (gripping, turning, typing).
- •If your hand has started to look different (muscle hollowing between fingers), point this out.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 8516
- Category
- Neurological
- Subcategory
- Peripheral Nerves
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 60%
Also Known As
cubital tunnel syndromecubital tunnelulnar nerve entrapmentulnar nerve compressionulnar neuropathyulnar nerve palsyfunny bone nerve damageulnar nerve conditionulnar nerve at elbowring finger numbnesspinky finger numbnesselbow nerve entrapmenttardy ulnar palsyulnar tunnel syndromeGuyon's canal syndromeulnar claw handulnar nerve injury
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
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