38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.124a

Neuralgia Ulnar Nerve

dc-8716-neuralgia-ulnar-nerve

Peripheral nerves

Diagnostic code

8716

Why your DC matters: DC 8716 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.

Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4): April 2, 2026

Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)

Diagnostic code 8716 — Neuralgia Ulnar Nerve — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.124a in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.

Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.

Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (8716) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “8716”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.

Effective dates & which schedule version applies

Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).

For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.

The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.

Notes for your claim

Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 8716 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.

C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.

If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.

This site does not provide legal advice.

Official source

38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 8716 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).

DC 8716 covers the pain-predominant side of ulnar nerve disease — the catalog complement to Wave 5's DC 8516 ulnar paralysis. Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated as 'incomplete, mild' to 'incomplete, moderate' under the corresponding paralysis schedule. Most cubital-tunnel and ulnar-impingement veterans end up here rather than at 8516 because the deficit is sensory and pain-predominant rather than overtly motor. The per-hand filing rule, bilateral factor, and diabetic-secondary nexus from the 8516 entry all apply here too.

Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires

Rating	What It Takes	Evidence That Supports It
30%	Severe incomplete neuralgia, major extremity.	Persistent ulnar-distribution pain with sensory deficit + chart documentation of failed conservative management. Major (dominant) hand only — minor caps at 20%.
20%	Moderate incomplete neuralgia, major extremity (or severe, minor).	Documented ulnar pain + sensory deficit + functional limitation on dominant hand.
10%	Mild incomplete neuralgia.	Subjective ulnar pain/tingling with minimal exam findings.

What Qualifies Under DC 8716?

Pain-predominant ulnar nerve disease

Pain, paresthesias, or sensory loss in ulnar distribution (pinky + medial half of ring finger) with positive Tinel's at the cubital tunnel.

Severity tiers (per § 4.124 cap)

Neuralgia rated as incomplete paralysis up to 'moderate':

• 10% — Mild (major or minor hand)
• 20% — Moderate, minor hand OR severe, minor hand
• 30% — Severe, major hand
• Cap — Cannot exceed 'moderate incomplete' under § 4.124 without crossing into neuritis

Language Your Rater Needs to See

These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.

Major vs. minor

“Dominant (major) versus non-dominant (minor) extremity”

Major hand caps higher at each tier. Document handedness clearly — examiner sometimes guesses wrong. Per § 4.69, only ambidextrous claimants get the major rating regardless.

Cap

“Neuralgia is rated to no more than 'incomplete, moderate'”

§ 4.124 caps neuralgia at moderate incomplete paralysis. To exceed that cap, you need organic findings (atrophy, EMG abnormality) that push the code to neuritis (8616) or paralysis (8516).

10% floor

“Tinel's sign positive at the elbow, ulnar distribution paresthesias”

Cleanest 10% qualifier. Tinel's at the cubital tunnel + sensory deficit in pinky/ring finger = textbook diagnosis.

Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition

EMG / nerve conduction study

CRITICAL

Documents conduction slowing across the elbow. Even mildly abnormal NCS supports the neuralgia diagnosis and may push toward neuritis coding (8616).

Neurological exam — Tinel's, Froment's, sensory grading

CRITICAL

Tinel's at cubital tunnel; Froment's sign (thumb-IP flexion when pinching paper); sensory grading in pinky/medial ring finger.

Handedness documentation

IMPORTANT

VA Form 21-4138 statement or medical record entry confirming dominant hand. Critical for major vs. minor tier.

Functional limitation diary

IMPORTANT

Grip strength loss, dropping objects, pain on elbow flexion. Concrete examples support moderate vs. severe.

Conservative treatment history

SUPPORTING

Splinting, NSAIDs, activity modification, steroid injections. Failed conservative management supports severity escalation.

C&P Exam Tips

✓

State your dominant hand explicitly at the exam

Don't make the examiner guess. Major hand ratings cap higher at every tier.

✓

Ask for Tinel's sign and Froment's sign testing

These are the textbook ulnar exam maneuvers. Their presence anchors the diagnosis.

✓

Bring EMG/NCS results printed

Conduction slowing across the elbow is the objective benchmark. Hand it to the examiner.

❌

Don't downplay the pain or numbness

Ulnar neuralgia often interferes with grip, typing, sleep (resting elbow on chair). Describe the daily-life impact concretely.

Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points

Filing one rating for bilateral ulnar neuralgia

Each hand is a separate nerve. File both — bilateral factor enhancement applies.

Settling for 8716 neuralgia when EMG shows neuritis

If EMG is abnormal with axonal involvement, push for DC 8616 (neuritis) — it can rate higher above the moderate cap.

Missing the cubital tunnel surgery scar secondary

Post-cubital-release scar is separately ratable under DC 7804 if painful.

Not flagging handedness

Major hand ratings exceed minor by 10% at each tier. Make sure VA has documented your dominant hand.

Tactical Plays

⚡ Push toward 8616 neuritis if EMG shows organic damage

Neuralgia (8716) is capped at moderate incomplete paralysis under § 4.124. If EMG shows axonal loss or motor deficit, demand DC 8616 — it can break the cap.

⚡ File each hand separately + claim bilateral factor

Bilateral ulnar neuralgia is two ratings. Two 20% ratings combine to ~36% with the bilateral factor — file both even if one side is milder.

⚡ Diabetic? Use the secondary presumption

If DM is service-connected, diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the ulnar nerve is a presumptive secondary path. Direct nexus opinion not strictly required.

Secondary Conditions to File With This One

Diabetes mellitus (primary cause)

STRONG

DC 7913

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the ulnar distribution — direct presumptive nexus if DM is service-connected.

Cervical spine radiculopathy

MODERATE

DC 8513

C8/T1 radiculopathy can mimic ulnar neuropathy; both may rate separately if independently documented.

Contralateral ulnar neuralgia

MODERATE

DC 8716

Systemic causes (DM, occupational, congenital cubital tunnel) often affect both hands. File each separately.

Post-cubital-release surgical scar

✋Major vs. minor extremity — what's the difference?

Major = dominant hand (the one you write with). Minor = non-dominant. Major hand ratings cap higher at each tier. Ambidextrous claimants get major bilaterally per § 4.69.

⚡Neuralgia vs. neuritis — which DC?

Neuralgia (8716) is pain-predominant with sensory disturbance only. Neuritis (8616) requires organic findings — EMG abnormality, atrophy, motor deficit. Neuritis can exceed the moderate cap that limits neuralgia.

🔨What is Tinel's sign?

Tapping over the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel reproduces tingling down the pinky. A positive Tinel's at the elbow is the cleanest physical-exam diagnostic for ulnar entrapment.

How to File Your Claim

Get EMG / NCS done

Conduction slowing across the elbow is the diagnostic gold standard.

Document handedness

Lay statement or medical record confirming dominant hand. Drives major vs. minor tier.

Get neuro exam with Tinel's + Froment's + sensory grading

Anchors the diagnosis with classical findings.

File 21-526EZ specifying 'ulnar neuralgia (DC 8716)' per hand

One claim line per hand. Reference DM if service-connected.

Stack surgical scar if post-release

Cubital tunnel release scar is separately ratable under DC 7804 if painful.

Typical Claim Timeline

File initial claim

Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file

VA acknowledges claim

Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number

C&P examination scheduled

Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice

Attend C&P exam

Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best

Decision & rating notice

Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date

First payment & retro back pay

Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)

Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.

Important Considerations

⛔

Capped at 'moderate' under § 4.124

DC 8716 cannot exceed moderate incomplete paralysis. To break the cap, the diagnosis must shift to neuritis (8616) with organic findings.

✋

Major vs. minor hand makes a 10% difference

Document handedness clearly. Major hand ratings cap 10% higher at each tier.

↔️

File each hand separately

Bilateral ulnar neuralgia = two ratings + bilateral factor. Don't combine.

🩺

Diabetic secondary is the cleanest lane

If DM is service-connected, presumptive ulnar neuropathy applies. No nexus letter required.

Related Tools & Resources

📋Evidence Checklist Generator

Build your evidence collection plan

🔗Secondary Condition Mapper

Find all potential secondary claims

📊Rating Estimator

Calculate your combined rating

💰SMC Guide

Understand Special Monthly Compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 8516, 8616, and 8716?

DC 8516 = ulnar paralysis (motor loss predominant). DC 8616 = ulnar neuritis (organic nerve damage with EMG/atrophy findings). DC 8716 = ulnar neuralgia (pain-predominant, sensory deficit, no organic motor findings). Same tier percentages, but 8716 is capped at 'moderate incomplete.'

Why does dominant hand matter?

Under VA rules, the major (dominant) extremity rates higher than the minor — a 10% spread at each severity tier. Document your handedness in the claim file.

Should I file 8716 or 8616?

If you have pain + sensory disturbance without measurable motor loss or EMG-confirmed organic damage, file 8716. If EMG shows axonal injury or you have measurable atrophy/motor deficit, push for 8616 — it breaks the moderate cap.

Can I file ulnar neuralgia secondary to my back?

Cervical radiculopathy (C8/T1) can mimic ulnar neuropathy, but they have distinct codes (DC 8513 for radiculopathy). If your cervical spine is service-connected, file BOTH the cervical radiculopathy AND any independently diagnosed ulnar neuropathy.

Official Regulatory Source

Ulnar neuralgia is rated under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8716, with the moderate-incomplete cap from § 4.124.

38 CFR § 4.124a — Diseases of the Peripheral Nerves (eCFR) →

Scroll to DC 8716. Also review § 4.123 (neuritis rules) and § 4.124 (neuralgia cap).

Next Steps

If your rating decision lists DC 8716, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:

Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file

This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.

Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.

Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 8716 • va.gov

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.