How the VA Rates Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 8516 (Paralysis of the Ulnar Nerve) — major (dominant) / minor (non-dominant) criteria a VA rater evaluates Cubital Tunnel Syndrome against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
Diagnostic codes 8516, 8616, 8716
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 8516 (Paralysis of the Ulnar Nerve) — major (dominant) / minor (non-dominant) 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.
10%
$180.42/month
Mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve (10% major or minor) — intermittent sensory symptoms with little or no motor loss.
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
20%
$356.66/month
Moderate incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve — 30% (major) / 20% (minor); the non-dominant value is shown for this tier. Persistent sensory loss with grip/intrinsic muscle weakness.
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
30%
$552.47/month
Moderate incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve — 30% (major dominant hand). For severe incomplete paralysis the rating is 40% (major) / 30% (minor).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Significant intrinsic hand-muscle weakness (dominant hand)
- Trouble with pinch and fine manipulation
- Beginning interosseous wasting
40%
$795.84/month
Severe incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve (40% major / 30% minor) — marked weakness with measurable atrophy of the intrinsic hand muscles.
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
60%
$1,435.02/month
Complete paralysis of the ulnar nerve (60% major / 50% minor) — the 'griffin claw' deformity with atrophy of intrinsic muscles, loss of finger abduction/adduction, and inability to adduct the thumb.
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
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.
C&P exam tips for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- What wins this rating: an EMG/NCS confirming ulnar nerve involvement at the elbow, plus an exam documenting sensory loss, grip strength, and intrinsic-muscle (interosseous) atrophy.
- Specify dominant vs. non-dominant hand — the dominant (major) hand rates higher.
- Describe loss of hand dexterity, weak grip, and any claw-hand posture or muscle wasting.
- Cubital tunnel is rated separately from carpal tunnel and from cervical radiculopathy — claim each affected nerve.
Common mistakes on Cubital Tunnel Syndrome claims
- Not getting an EMG/NCS to objectively confirm severity.
- Failing to note hand-muscle atrophy, which distinguishes severe from moderate.
- Not stating which hand is dominant.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 8516 (Paralysis of the Ulnar Nerve) — major (dominant) / minor (non-dominant) — diagnostic codes 8516, 8616, 8716.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
60% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. The criteria at that level describe: Complete paralysis of the ulnar nerve (60% major / 50% minor) — the 'griffin claw' deformity with atrophy of intrinsic muscles, loss of finger abduction/adduction, and inability to adduct the thumb.
How much does a 60% VA rating for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome pay in 2026?
$1,435.02 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Build your Cubital Tunnel Syndrome claim documentation
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Start your claim — freeEducational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.