VASRD 8516 · Neurological Conditions

Ulnar Nerve Paralysis VA Disability Rating

Damage to the ulnar nerve affecting the hand, especially the ring and pinky fingers, causing weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
60%Total dysfunction of dominant hand
50%Total dysfunction of non-dominant hand
30%Serious weakness, pain or coordination loss
10%Mild tingling or reduced grip strength

How the VA Evaluates Ulnar Nerve Paralysis

EMG tests, physical examination of grip strength, sensory tests, hand dexterity evaluations.

Approval rate

Moderate (approx. 60%) with diagnostic tests.

Annual service-connected

27,500 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Electromyography (EMG)
  • •Grip strength test results
  • •Physician's neurological exam report

Strategy Tips

  • •Specify if dominant hand is affected
  • •Include EMG and grip test results
  • •Explain daily limitations (e.g., writing, typing)

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not documenting dominant hand
  • •Missing diagnostic test results

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No EMG test or medical diagnosis
  • •Confused with carpal tunnel or median nerve issues

Onset Patterns

  • •Common after elbow trauma or prolonged pressure (e.g., military equipment use)

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Ulnar Nerve Paralysis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Claw Hand

    Severe nerve damage can cause finger deformity

  • Grip Weakness

    Reduced control due to nerve damage

Common questions about Ulnar Nerve Paralysis

Is Ulnar Nerve Paralysis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ulnar Nerve Paralysis under VASRD diagnostic code 8516 (Neurological Conditions). Damage to the ulnar nerve affecting the hand, especially the ring and pinky fingers, causing weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis?
Possible VA ratings for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis are 60%, 50%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 60% — Total dysfunction of dominant hand; 50% — Total dysfunction of non-dominant hand; 30% — Serious weakness, pain or coordination loss.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis?
The average awarded rating for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis is 30%. Roughly 27,500 veterans are service-connected for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate (approx. 60%) with diagnostic tests..
What evidence helps prove Ulnar Nerve Paralysis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ulnar Nerve Paralysis claim includes: Electromyography (EMG); Grip strength test results; Physician's neurological exam report.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ulnar Nerve Paralysis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis: No EMG test or medical diagnosis; Confused with carpal tunnel or median nerve issues.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ulnar Nerve Paralysis?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ulnar Nerve Paralysis include: Claw Hand, Grip Weakness. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Ulnar Nerve Paralysis combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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