Diagnostic Code 8516: Ulnar Nerve Paralysis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Rating range
- 10% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 6
- Body system
- Neurological conditions
The VA rates Ulnar Nerve Paralysis under diagnostic code 8516 in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 8516 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Incomplete paralysis, mild (major or minor arm) What raters look formild incomplete paralysis |
| 20% | Incomplete paralysis, moderate (minor arm) What raters look formoderate incomplete paralysis, minor arm |
| 30% | Incomplete paralysis, moderate (major arm); incomplete paralysis, severe (minor arm) What raters look formoderate incomplete paralysis, major arm; severe incomplete paralysis, minor arm |
| 40% | Incomplete paralysis, severe (major arm) What raters look forsevere incomplete paralysis, major arm |
| 50% | Complete paralysis; 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 (minor arm) What raters look forcomplete paralysis, minor arm; griffin claw deformity |
| 60% | Complete paralysis; 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 (major arm) What raters look forcomplete paralysis, major arm; griffin claw deformity |
DC 8516 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 388 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 8516 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 43.3%, denied 48.5% and sent 8.2% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 8516 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 8516?
Diagnostic code 8516 is the VA rating schedule entry for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis, found in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 8516?
DC 8516 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 8516 require?
The 60% rating for Ulnar Nerve Paralysis requires: Complete paralysis; 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 (major arm).
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 8516?
In 382 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 8516 from 2021 to 2026, 42.4% were granted, 49.2% denied and 8.4% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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