Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 8516
Ulnar Nerve Paralysis Secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis when it develops after Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger.
Why Ulnar Nerve Paralysis Is Linked to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger
Altered finger movement patterns
Primary condition · VASRD 5227
Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger
The ring or pinky finger doesn’t move, but usually doesn’t interfere much with overall hand use.
Secondary condition · VASRD 8516
Ulnar Nerve Paralysis
Damage to the ulnar nerve affecting the hand, especially the ring and pinky fingers, causing weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination.
Ulnar Nerve Paralysis VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Ulnar Nerve Paralysis the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger — severity of Ulnar Nerve Paralysis itself determines the percentage.
Evidence for a Ulnar Nerve Paralysis Secondary Claim
- •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.
Common questions about Ulnar Nerve Paralysis secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger
- Can Ulnar Nerve Paralysis be service-connected as secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Altered finger movement patterns You'll need a current Ulnar Nerve Paralysis diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Ankylosis o…
- What VA rating can I get for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis as a secondary condition?
- Ulnar Nerve Paralysis is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 8516 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 60%, 50%, 30%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Ulnar Nerve Paralysis itself, not on the severity of Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger.
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Ulnar Nerve Paralysis as secondary to Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Ulnar Nerve Paralysis diagnosis 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.. For the secondary…
Primary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger guide
Secondary condition
Full Ulnar Nerve Paralysis guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Ankylosis of the Ring or Little Finger and Ulnar Nerve Paralysis combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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