EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) VA Disability Rating
DC 8017 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.4.F
OVERVIEW
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is rated at 100% under DC 8017 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a. ALS is a presumptive service-connected condition for all veterans with 90 or more days of continuous active duty service under 38 C.F.R. § 3.318. No nexus opinion is needed. The rating schedule note states: 'Consider the need for special monthly compensation.' Veterans with ALS also qualify for SMC at the highest statutory rates due to progressive disability.
RATING CRITERIA (1 LEVELS)
100% — Automatic rating upon diagnosis
ALS rates 100% automatically under DC 8017. This is the only rating available. Applies from the effective date of service connection. No lower percentages exist.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Neurologist diagnosis of ALS confirmed by EMG and nerve conduction studies (El Escorial criteria)
-DD-214 showing 90+ days of continuous active duty service (required for presumptive under § 3.318)
-Pulmonary function tests documenting respiratory decline
-Records documenting progression — limb weakness, bulbar symptoms, respiratory involvement
-Assistive device prescriptions (wheelchair, feeding tube, ventilator)
-Documentation of need for aid and attendance for SMC purposes
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 6841
ALS causes progressive respiratory muscle weakness leading to ventilator dependence. Rate separately for SMC purposes.
DC 7204
Bulbar ALS affects swallowing. Rate separately for SMC when meeting criteria.
DC 9434
Depression is prevalent in ALS and independently ratable as a secondary condition.
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.ALS is automatic 100% — do not delay filing. The effective date is critical. File immediately upon diagnosis.
2.No nexus letter needed. 38 C.F.R. § 3.318 makes ALS presumptive for all veterans with 90+ days of continuous service.
3.Request Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) from the initial rating decision — ALS veterans qualify quickly.
4.File for TDIU immediately if 100% is delayed for any reason.
5.Ensure dependents are listed for DIC planning.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 3.318 — ALS Presumptive
ALS is presumptively service connected for veterans with 90 or more days of continuous active duty service. No nexus opinion required. No combat requirement. No deployment requirement.
DOLLAR IMPACT
100%: $3,938.58/mo (no dependents), $4,299.23/mo (with spouse). ALS veterans almost universally qualify for Special Monthly Compensation adding $500-$9,000+/mo. File the day of diagnosis.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026