How the VA Rates Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The short answer

VA rates cubital tunnel syndrome as damage to the ulnar nerve under 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a, DC 8516 (paralysis), 8616 (neuritis), or 8716 (neuralgia). Mild is 10 percent on either hand; moderate is 30 percent on your dominant hand or 20 percent on the other; severe is 40 or 30 percent; and complete paralysis is 60 or 50 percent. The rating turns on how severe the nerve damage is, so an EMG or nerve conduction study and an exam of your grip, sensation, and hand muscles carry the claim.

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8516 (paralysis of the ulnar nerve) / 8616 (neuritis) / 8716 (neuralgia) — major (dominant) / minor (non-dominant); caps in §§ 4.123 and 4.124 for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

1. 60%

   $1,435.02/month

   Complete paralysis of the ulnar nerve on the MAJOR hand — 60% (DC 8516 only): the 'griffin claw' deformity, due to flexor contraction of ring and little fingers, atrophy very marked in dorsal interspace and thenar and hypothenar eminences; loss of extension of ring and little fingers; cannot spread the fingers (or reverse); cannot adduct the thumb; flexion of wrist weakened.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • 'Claw hand' (griffin claw) deformity
   • Cannot spread or close the fingers
   • Marked atrophy between the fingers and at the thumb
   • Cannot adduct the thumb
2. 50%

   $1,132.90/month

   Complete paralysis of the ulnar nerve on the MINOR hand — 50% (DC 8516 only).

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • 'Claw hand' (griffin claw) deformity (non-dominant hand)
   • Cannot spread the fingers or adduct the thumb
3. 40%

   $795.84/month

   Severe incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve on the MAJOR hand — 40% (DC 8516, or DC 8616 neuritis with organic changes — its maximum under § 4.123). Neuralgia (8716) may not reach this level.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Atrophy of the hand muscles between the fingers/thumb
   • Weak grip and pinch with functional loss
   • Difficulty holding and manipulating objects
4. 30%

   $552.47/month

   Moderate incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve on the MAJOR (dominant) hand — 30% (DC 8516, 8616, or 8716; for 8716 neuralgia this is the maximum under § 4.124). OR severe incomplete paralysis on the MINOR hand — 30% (DC 8516, or DC 8616 neuritis with organic changes, its maximum under § 4.123).

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Significant intrinsic hand-muscle weakness
   • Trouble with pinch and fine manipulation
   • Beginning interosseous wasting
5. 20%

   $356.66/month

   Moderate incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve on the MINOR (non-dominant) hand — 20% (DC 8516, 8616, or 8716). For DC 8716 (neuralgia), 20% is the maximum on the minor hand.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Constant numbness in ring and little fingers
   • Weak grip; difficulty spreading or crossing fingers
   • Early loss of hand dexterity
6. 10%

   $180.42/month

   Mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve — 10% major / 10% minor (DC 8516, 8616, or 8716). When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be for the mild, or at most, the moderate degree.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Tingling/numbness in the ring and little fingers
   • Symptoms worse with the elbow bent (phone, sleeping)
   • Positive Tinel's at the elbow
   • No weakness or atrophy

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.