---
title: "DC 8516 - Paralysis of:"
diagnostic_code: "8516"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8516-ulnar-nerve-paralysis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T17:38:25.949372Z"
---

# DC 8516 - Paralysis of:

Rated under § 4.124a. Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 60% | 50% | Complete; 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 |
| 40% | 30% | Incomplete: Severe |
| 30% | 20% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 10% | 10% | Incomplete: Mild |

## Notes

- Note: Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or if sufficient in extent, consider radicular group ratings.

# Ulnar Nerve Paralysis (VA Diagnostic Code 8516)

**Understanding how the VA rates paralysis of the ulnar nerve under 38 CFR § 4.124a.**

## What This Condition Is

Diagnostic Code 8516 falls under the VA's rating schedule for **Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders** (§ 4.124a). It addresses paralysis of the ulnar nerve, which affects the hand and fingers.

In the most severe (complete) presentations, the rating criteria describe what is known as the **"griffin claw" deformity**, caused by flexor contraction of the ring and little fingers. This can involve very marked atrophy in the dorsal interspace and in the thenar and hypothenar eminences (the muscular areas of the palm), loss of extension of the ring and little fingers, an inability to spread the fingers (or the reverse), an inability to adduct the thumb, and weakened flexion of the wrist.

## Major vs. Minor Hand

The VA assigns ratings based on whether the affected hand is your **dominant (Major)** or **non-dominant (Minor)** side. Ratings for the same level of impairment are often higher for the Major (dominant) hand.

## Available Rating Levels

Ratings are organized by severity — ranging from *incomplete* (mild, moderate, or severe) to *complete* paralysis.

### Complete Paralysis

| Rating | Hand | Description |
|--------|------|-------------|
| **60%** | Major | Complete: "griffin claw" deformity, with the full set of findings described above |
| **50%** | Minor | Complete: "griffin claw" deformity, with the full set of findings described above |

### Incomplete Paralysis — Severe

| Rating | Hand |
|--------|------|
| **40%** | Major |
| **30%** | Minor |

### Incomplete Paralysis — Moderate

| Rating | Hand |
|--------|------|
| **30%** | Major |
| **20%** | Minor |

### Incomplete Paralysis — Mild

| Rating | Hand |
|--------|------|
| **10%** | Major |
| **10%** | Minor |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a claim under Diagnostic Code 8516, the VA considers:

- **Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete**, and if incomplete, whether it is mild, moderate, or severe.
- **Which hand is affected** — the dominant (Major) or non-dominant (Minor) side.
- For complete paralysis, **the specific clinical findings** described in the criteria, including the "griffin claw" deformity, muscle atrophy in the dorsal interspace and thenar and hypothenar eminences, loss of finger extension, inability to spread the fingers, inability to adduct the thumb, and weakened wrist flexion.

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule at 38 CFR § 4.124a for Diagnostic Code 8516. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a