If you’re a veteran struggling with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or hand, you might be dealing with a condition that affects the ulnar nerve: cubital tunnel syndrome. When this disability stems from your military service, you could be eligible for monthly compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Understanding how to obtain a cubital tunnel syndrome VA rating is the first step in getting the benefits you’ve earned.
What Causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome in Veterans?
Military service often demands repetitive motion, high-impact tasks, and prolonged physical strain. These demands can increase your risk for cubital tunnel syndrome, also known as ulnar nerve entrapment. The condition occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner side of your elbow, becomes compressed or irritated. For veterans, this can happen due to a number of service-related activities and conditions:
- Trauma: Injuries to the elbow from falls, accidents, or combat situations sometimes damage the ulnar nerve.
- Repetitive motion: Performing the same motion repeatedly, such as lifting, pulling, or pressing, increases strain on the elbow.
- Frequent elbow pressure: Long hours spent in shooting postures, operating military vehicles, or sleeping/sitting in confined spaces may cause nerve compression.
- Carrying heavy gear: The weight and positioning of military equipment create added pressure on your elbow joints.
- Medical conditions: Bone spurs, arthritis, or ganglion cysts can press against the ulnar nerve.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome, after carpal tunnel syndrome. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Hand Surgery evaluated 14 years of military health data and revealed a clear increase in cubital tunnel syndrome diagnoses over time, especially among older service members. Service members in the 35–44 age range had almost twice the incidence of cubital tunnel syndrome compared to those aged 25–34. This suggests that age-related degeneration, compounded by years of tactical movement and weight-bearing duties, significantly increase a veteran’s risk.
Other research found that veterans with lower limb amputations had a higher risk of developing upper limb nerve entrapment, including cubital tunnel syndrome. Among the 96 veterans examined, nearly one-third developed compressive neuropathies in their upper extremities. This is thought to be the result of increased reliance on the arms and upper body for mobility, weight-bearing, and prosthetic use.
In other words, when the lower body is compromised—whether from traumatic amputation or combat injury—the upper body often takes on more physical responsibility, which can lead to overuse injuries and nerve compression in the arms. This reflects how service-connected injuries often don’t occur in isolation but interact in complex ways that increase overall disability.
Knowing that many veterans develop several interconnected disabilities, both direct and secondary impacts of a medical condition need to be considered when seeking a VA disability rating – they can help get higher compensation and benefits.
How the VA Rates Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome affects the ulnar nerve, which controls movement and sensation in parts of your hand and forearm—especially your ring finger and pinky, grip strength, and fine motor coordination. The VA looks at three primary factors when evaluating nerve impairment:
- Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete
- Whether the symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe
- Which extremity is affected—your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) arm
Incomplete paralysis means the nerve is impaired but not fully non-functional. You may have partial sensation, inconsistent strength, or limited range of motion, but can still perform some tasks.
Complete paralysis, on the other hand, refers to total loss of motor and sensory function in the area controlled by the nerve. This can include severe muscle wasting, finger contractures, and inability to move or feel parts of the hand or arm.
It’s not just about physical symptoms; the VA also evaluates how your condition impacts your ability to earn a living and manage routine activities. This means your rating is based on functional loss, not just medical diagnosis. In other words, two veterans may both have cubital tunnel syndrome, but the one who experiences greater pain, weakness, or functional limitations may receive a higher disability rating.
If cubital tunnel syndrome prevents you from performing duties in a job that requires fine motor skills—like typing, using tools, or even lifting—this could determine a higher rating or eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). For this reason, it’s crucial to describe not only your symptoms during your C&P exam, but also how those symptoms affect your daily functioning and work capabilities.
What Is the VA Disability Rating for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
The VA evaluates cubital tunnel syndrome with ratings ranging from 10% for mild incomplete paralysis to 60% for complete paralysis in the major extremity, and 50% for the minor extremity, under Diagnostic Code 8516 which refers to the paralysis of the ulnar nerve (the nerve primarily affected by this condition).
The distinction between the major (dominant) and minor (non-dominant) arm matters because most daily activities rely more heavily on the dominant limb, which means that loss of function in that arm can result in a greater occupational and functional impact. VA takes this into consideration and rates each arm accordingly:
- Mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve is rated at 10% for either arm. This rating is given when symptoms include occasional numbness, mild tingling, or some weakness that doesn’t significantly impair movement or daily use.
- Moderate incomplete paralysis is rated at 30% for the major extremity and 20% for the minor extremity. This is assigned for more frequent or noticeable symptoms, such as difficulty with grip strength, reduced fine motor control, and more persistent pain or discomfort. Veterans at this level may struggle with tasks like typing, holding tools, or even opening containers.
- Severe incomplete paralysis is rated at 40% for the major extremity and 30% for the minor extremity. These ratings apply when the loss of function is significant. You might experience constant numbness, severe weakness, muscle atrophy (wasting), or clumsiness that affects daily living. Veterans with severe incomplete paralysis might find it nearly impossible to perform manual work or maintain independent functioning with the affected limb.
- Complete paralysis, when the ulnar nerve is completely non-functional, is rated at 60% for the major extremity and 50% for the minor extremity. According to the VA, this includes: “griffin claw” deformity (due to flexor muscle imbalance), very marked atrophy of the muscles in the hand and forearm, inability to spread the fingers (abduction), inability to flex the distal phalanx of the thumb and weakened or absent wrist flexion.
These specific symptoms are key medical indicators the VA looks for when evaluating the most severe cases. If you’re dealing with any of these impairments, make sure they are documented thoroughly in your medical records and highlighted during your Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam.
The VA doesn’t just rate a diagnosis, it rates the functional impact of that diagnosis. So, even if you’ve been diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome, you’ll only receive a higher rating if the documented symptoms match the corresponding severity level.
Bilateral Cubital Tunnel Syndrome VA Ratings
For veterans experiencing cubital tunnel syndrome in both arms, the VA applies a rule known as the bilateral factor to ensure the full impact of the condition is reflected in your overall disability rating.
This rule accounts for the added difficulty of having impairments in paired limbs, such as both upper extremities. The VA recognizes that limitations in both arms make it more difficult to perform everyday tasks like lifting, typing, grooming, or using tools—activities that often require coordination from both hands.
The bilateral factor is calculated by first using the VA’s Combined Ratings Table to combine the ratings for both arms. Once you have that combined percentage, the VA adds 10% of that value back to the total. This adjustment slightly increases your overall rating and could push you over a critical threshold—potentially qualifying you for additional benefits like TDIU or higher monthly compensation.
To simplify the process, veterans can use our VA calculator, which automatically applies the bilateral factor and gives a more accurate estimate of the final combined rating.
How to Make a VA Claim for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Filing a claim with the VA for cubital tunnel syndrome requires more than just stating your symptoms—it’s about building a well-supported, documented case that clearly connects your condition to your military service. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Gather medical evidence: Start by collecting all relevant medical documentation. This includes service treatment records (STRs) that show complaints, treatment, or injuries involving your elbow, forearm, or hand during active duty. Also gather private or VA medical records that document your current diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment history. X-rays, nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG) results, or surgical reports can all help establish the severity and persistence of your condition.
- Collect buddy statements or lay evidence: Written statements from fellow service members, supervisors, or loved ones can help fill in gaps where medical records fall short. These are known as lay statements and can be crucial if your injury wasn’t formally documented during service. These personal accounts help establish a pattern of symptoms over time, reinforcing your claim’s credibility.
- Obtain a medical nexus: A nexus letter is a written medical opinion from a qualified healthcare provider that directly links your cubital tunnel syndrome to your military service. This document should explain, in clear terms why it is “at least as likely as not” that your condition was caused or aggravated by your service. The provider should cite medical literature, review your records, and explain how your occupational duties contributed to the development of your condition.
- File the claim: Once you’ve compiled all your supporting evidence, submit your claim using VA Form 21-526EZ (or 0995 to reopen an existing claim with new evidence). You can file online via the VA’s eBenefits or VA.gov portal, by mail to your regional VA office, or in person with the help of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
Submitting all documentation up front—especially your medical records and nexus letter—can help avoid delays and strengthen your chances of receiving an accurate and favorable decision. The more comprehensive your claim, the better your chances of establishing a strong service connection and receiving the VA disability rating you deserve.
Maximizing Your VA Disability Rating
Cubital tunnel syndrome might start with numbness and tingling, but its effects can reach much farther. Many veterans develop secondary conditions that can be tied to the syndrome:
- Mental health conditions: Chronic pain and physical limitations can lead to anxiety, depression, or even PTSD flare-ups.
- Arthritis: Joint stress and nerve damage can contribute to degenerative changes in the elbow or surrounding joints.
- Sleep disturbances: Pain and numbness often worsen at night, disrupting rest and contributing to fatigue and mental health challenges.
If any of these secondary conditions are related to your primary diagnosis, you may qualify for additional compensation through a secondary service connection. The VA allows for this kind of expanded evaluation, but you’ll need strong medical evidence showing how these conditions are related.
TDIU for cubital tunnel syndrome
If your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). To be eligible for TDIU you must have at least one service-connected condition rated at 60% or more, OR two or more service-connected conditions, with one rated at least 40% and a combined rating of 70% or more.
Cubital tunnel syndrome can qualify for TDIU on its own if it severely limits your ability to use your arms for work-related tasks. This includes situations where:
- Pain limits lifting, typing, or manual labor
- You’ve lost complete movement or strength in one or both arms
- You can’t perform the physical or fine motor skills required for your job
If this describes your situation and you already have the maximum rating for cubital tunnel syndrome, don’t assume you’re out of options. You could still be eligible for compensation that reflects the full impact of your disability. Get a free case evaluation from Hill & Ponton – our VA-accredited lawyers specialize in disability law and provide expert assistance to veterans who need help securing TDIU and appealing VA decisions.
Content Reviewed by
Attorney Ursula Mecabe
Ursula has been a key advocate at Hill and Ponton since 2017, specializing in building strong evidence for veterans’ cases. She brings both passion and a personal commitment to serving those who have served our nation since she became an veteran disability attorney. With an impressive academic record—including significant research on systemic issues in the VA claims process that contribute to veteran poverty—Ursula is uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of veterans’ benefits and legal challenges.
