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
How the VA Evaluates Ulnar Nerve Paralysis
The rating is based on whether paralysis is complete or incomplete, and its severity, with a higher rating applied when the affected hand is your dominant one - confirmed through EMG testing, grip strength measurement, and sensory testing.
Approval outlook
Moderate (approx. 60%) with diagnostic tests.
Veterans service-connected
~27,500 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~30%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Electromyography (EMG) results confirming and grading the nerve damage.
- •Grip strength test results comparing the affected and unaffected hand.
- •A physician's neurological exam report documenting sensory and motor findings.
Strategy Tips
- •Specify clearly which hand is affected and whether it's your dominant hand, since the rating schedule assigns a higher value for dominant-hand impairment.
- •Include EMG and grip strength test results, since these are the objective measurements that establish severity beyond a subjective symptom description.
- •Explain specific daily limitations, like difficulty writing, typing, or holding objects, which helps translate the clinical findings into real-world impact.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Not documenting which hand is dominant, since this directly changes which rating tier applies for the same severity of paralysis.
- •Missing diagnostic test results, leaving the exam without objective confirmation of the nerve damage's severity.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not obtaining an EMG or formal medical diagnosis, since this rating specifically requires objective nerve testing rather than a symptom description alone.
- •Having the condition confused with carpal tunnel syndrome or median nerve issues in the records, which are rated under different criteria.
Onset Patterns
- •Ulnar nerve paralysis commonly follows elbow trauma or prolonged pressure on the nerve, such as from repeated use of certain military equipment or resting the elbow on hard surfaces for extended periods.
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 Among These Military Jobs
Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Ulnar Nerve Paralysis is frequently claimed.
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?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis at around 30%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 27,500 veterans are service-connected for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis. Estimated approval outlook: 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) results confirming and grading the nerve damage.; Grip strength test results comparing the affected and unaffected hand.; A physician's neurological exam report documenting sensory and motor findings..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ulnar Nerve Paralysis?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis: Not obtaining an EMG or formal medical diagnosis, since this rating specifically requires objective nerve testing rather than a symptom description alone.; Having the condition confused with carpal tunnel syndrome or median nerve issues in the records, which are r…
- 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.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.124a — Schedule of ratings — neurological conditions (Diagnostic Code 8516)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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