Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at Elbow)

DC 8516Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8516 — Ulnar Nerve Paralysis

Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the ring and little fingers. Common from prolonged elbow flexion in military vehicles and equipment use. Rated based on severity of nerve paralysis.

Rating Levels

Complete paralysis (dominant hand) or 50% (non-dominant) — "griffin claw" deformity, loss of finger flexion in the ring and little fingers, loss of thumb adduction, and muscle atrophy.

What the VA looks for

Griffin claw deformity of ring and little fingers
Marked atrophy of interosseous and hypothenar muscles
Loss of finger flexion in ring and little fingers
Loss of thumb adduction
EMG/NCS confirming complete ulnar nerve paralysis at the elbow

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting EMG/NCS confirming ulnar nerve entrapment specifically at the elbow — this is essential to distinguish cubital tunnel from other ulnar nerve problems.
⚠Being confused with carpal tunnel syndrome — carpal tunnel affects the median nerve at the wrist, while cubital tunnel affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow. They are different conditions with different diagnostic codes.
⚠Not specifying dominant vs non-dominant hand — the dominant hand receives a higher rating at moderate and above levels.
⚠Not documenting grip strength measurements with a dynamometer — objective grip strength data supports the severity of your condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at Elbow)

Rating Levels

Complete paralysis (dominant hand) or 50% (non-dominant) — "griffin claw" deformity, loss of finger flexion in the ring and little fingers, loss of thumb adduction, and muscle atrophy.

What the VA looks for

Griffin claw deformity of ring and little fingers
Marked atrophy of interosseous and hypothenar muscles
Loss of finger flexion in ring and little fingers
Loss of thumb adduction
EMG/NCS confirming complete ulnar nerve paralysis at the elbow

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting EMG/NCS confirming ulnar nerve entrapment specifically at the elbow — this is essential to distinguish cubital tunnel from other ulnar nerve problems.

⚠Being confused with carpal tunnel syndrome — carpal tunnel affects the median nerve at the wrist, while cubital tunnel affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow. They are different conditions with different diagnostic codes.

⚠Not specifying dominant vs non-dominant hand — the dominant hand receives a higher rating at moderate and above levels.

⚠Not documenting grip strength measurements with a dynamometer — objective grip strength data supports the severity of your condition.