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⚡ NeurologicalPeripheral NervesDC 8516

Ulnar Neuropathy / Ulnar Nerve Damage

Damage or dysfunction of the ulnar nerve from direct trauma, laceration, fracture, or wrist-level compression (Guyon's canal). Causes numbness and tingling in the ring and pinky fingers and hand weakness. Common in veterans from blast injuries, hand trauma, wrist fractures, or penetrating wounds. Rated under DC 8516 (paralysis of the ulnar nerve) based on severity. Note: if your ulnar nerve problem is from elbow compression, consider Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (also DC 8516).

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VA Rating Tiers

60%
complete paralysis
40%
severe incomplete
30%
moderately severe
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.
  • ›30%: Moderately severe incomplete paralysis — major arm. Minor arm rates 20%. 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 the ulnar nerve).
  • ›Dominant (major) arm rates higher than non-dominant (minor) arm.
  • ›NCS/EMG confirming ulnar nerve dysfunction is the most objective evidence.
  • ›If elbow-level compression is the primary cause, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (same DC 8516) may be the preferred claim.
  • ›Do not claim both Cubital Tunnel and Ulnar Neuropathy for the same nerve — discuss with a VSO.

Eligibility Basics

✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
  • •Ulnar neuropathy is rated under DC 8516 (paralysis of the ulnar nerve) based on severity of nerve dysfunction.
  • •Rating tiers: mild incomplete paralysis = 10%; moderate = 20%; moderately severe = 30%; severe = 40%; complete = 50% (minor arm) or 60% (major arm).
  • •Common service-related causes: blast injury, penetrating wound, wrist or elbow fracture, direct trauma.
  • •Nerve conduction study (NCS/EMG) confirms ulnar nerve dysfunction and severity.
  • •Note: if ulnar nerve compression is at the elbow (cubital tunnel), that condition may be more appropriate to claim.
  • •Both Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (elbow) and Ulnar Neuropathy (wrist/trauma) use DC 8516 — only one should be claimed per nerve.

Evidence to Gather

Service Records

  • •records of hand, wrist, or forearm injury during service
  • •records of blast injury, penetrating wound, or shrapnel affecting the hand or forearm
  • •records of wrist fracture, elbow fracture, or dislocation
  • •sick call or treatment records for hand weakness or finger numbness during service

Medical Evidence

  • •nerve conduction study (NCS) and EMG confirming ulnar nerve dysfunction
  • •neurology or orthopedic evaluation diagnosing ulnar neuropathy
  • •MRI of the wrist or elbow documenting nerve entrapment
  • •surgical records if Guyon's canal release or ulnar nerve repair was performed
  • •physical therapy records for hand or grip rehabilitation

Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)

  • •statement describing the in-service injury (blast, trauma, fracture) that damaged the hand or wrist
  • •statement describing current symptoms — numbness, tingling, or weakness in ring and pinky fingers
  • •buddy statement noting observed hand symptoms or grip weakness during or after service

Diagnostic Tests

  • •Nerve conduction study (NCS) and EMG (confirms ulnar nerve conduction abnormality)
  • •MRI of the wrist (Guyon's canal compression, mass lesion)
  • •MRI of the elbow (if cubital tunnel component suspected)
  • •X-ray of the wrist/elbow (fracture, bony changes)
  • •Grip strength dynamometer (both hands compared)
  • •Intrinsic hand muscle testing (interosseous, hypothenar muscles)

C&P Exam Preparation

Exam type: Neurological / Peripheral Nerve (Upper Extremity — Ulnar Neuropathy)

Be ready to describe

  • •which hand is affected and whether it is your dominant hand
  • •exactly which fingers are numb or weak — ring and pinky is typical for ulnar nerve
  • •the in-service event (blast, trauma, fracture) that caused the nerve damage
  • •grip weakness, dropping objects, or difficulty with fine motor tasks
  • •whether the problem is at the wrist (Guyon's) or also at the elbow

Prep notes

  • •Bring your NCS/EMG results if you have them — these are the strongest evidence.
  • •Describe the in-service event that caused the nerve damage — be specific about blast, fall, fracture, etc.
  • •Tell the examiner which fingers are numb or weak and what activities are affected.
  • •Describe grip weakness, dropping objects, and any difficulty with fine motor coordination.
  • •Note whether your symptoms are primarily at the wrist or also include elbow-level involvement.

Quick Facts

Diagnostic Code
DC 8516
Category
Neurological
Subcategory
Peripheral Nerves
Typical Claim Type
direct
Rating Range
0% – 60%

Also Known As

ulnar neuropathyulnar nerve damageulnar nerve injuryGuyon's canal syndromeulnar nerve wrist entrapmentwrist ulnar nerveulnar nerve from wristulnar nerve from traumaulnar nerve lacerationring finger nervepinky finger nerve damagehypothenar atrophyulnar nerve palsy

Related Conditions

Secondary to

cubital tunnelcervical radiculopathy
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