YOUR CONDITION, EXPLAINED
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)VA disability rating & claim guide
DC 8017 has one evaluation, 100 percent, and its criterion is the disease: the row reads "Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" and nothing else. Unlike multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease in the same block of the schedule, there is no minimum to build up from and no ladder to argue. The code's one note says to consider the need for special monthly compensation. Part 3 gives ALS a presumption of its own: 38 CFR 3.318 service connects ALS that appears at any time after discharge, with three exceptions, one of them less than 90 days of active, continuous service.
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01Understand the rating02Know what to gather03Plan your preparationTHE ESSENTIALS
How the VA rates Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
The VA rates Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) under diagnostic code 8017, in 38 CFR § 4.124a (neurological conditions), and the schedule publishes a single evaluation under it: 100%.
DC 8017's entry: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 100 percent. Note: consider the need for special monthly compensation. That is the whole of it. The code sits in the block of 38 CFR 4.124a whose opening paragraph allows, with the exceptions noted, ratings from 10 to 100 percent in proportion to impairment, and whose note under DC 8025 governs the minimum ratings for residuals under diagnostic codes 8000 through 8025. DC 8017 prints no minimum. Its single row is the evaluation, so the percentage does not have to be built up from residuals the way it does for multiple sclerosis (DC 8018) or paralysis agitans (DC 8004). The note directs that the need for special monthly compensation be considered; it does not state when that compensation is due.
- Diagnostic code
- 8017
- Rating schedule
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Ratings published
- 100%
How does the VA choose a rating level?
There is no higher or lower step inside this code: a rating decision either finds its criteria met or it does not. Where they are not met, 38 CFR § 4.31 assigns a 0% evaluation: service connection granted, at a level that does not pay.
EXPLORE THE PERCENTAGES
VA Rating Tiers
This condition has one published rating level. Read the criteria, then explore the details and monthly pay.
These are published rating criteria. Selecting a level does not predict your VA decision.
FROM READING TO READY
Build your evidence, one piece at a time.
A long list feels easier when you have a place to start. Use this checklist to see what you have and what still needs gathering.
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MAKE YOUR NEXT STEP COUNT
Small details. Better preparation.
Start with the practical tips, then explore the common oversights. You don’t need to work through everything at once.
Practical tips for your claim3 tips
- 01
Cite 38 CFR 3.318 on the claim, so the presumption is the stated basis for service connection.
- 02
Confirm the service records show 90 days or more of active, continuous service before filing, since that is the requirement paragraph (b)(3) turns on.
- 03
Ask in writing that special monthly compensation be considered, and supply the functional evidence for it, as DC 8017's note directs.
C&P exam pitfalls to keep in mind3 tips
- 01
An examination that tries to grade severity for the percentage. DC 8017 has one evaluation; severity does not change it.
- 02
Special monthly compensation left unconsidered. It is the only thing the code's note says.
- 03
Service connection questioned because the diagnosis came years after discharge. 38 CFR 3.318(a) covers ALS manifested at any time after discharge or release from service.
Common filing mistakes4 tips
- 01
Waiting to file. The code's only evaluation turns on the diagnosis, and severity does not change it.
- 02
Assuming too much time has passed since discharge. 38 CFR 3.318 states no window.
- 03
Trying to prove an in-service cause. 38 CFR 3.318 establishes service connection on the disease appearing after service, unless one of paragraph (b)'s three exceptions applies.
- 04
Not raising special monthly compensation. DC 8017's note directs that the need for it be considered.
When symptoms may first appear2 tips
- 01
The schedule states no course of onset for this code.
- 02
38 CFR 3.318 states no window either: ALS manifested at any time after discharge or release from service is covered. Most chronic diseases get one year under 38 CFR 3.307(a)(3).
LET’S CLEAR A FEW THINGS UP
Common questions about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) under VASRD diagnostic code 8017 (Neurological Conditions). DC 8017 has one evaluation, 100 percent, and its criterion is the disease: the row reads "Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" and nothing else. Unlike multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease in the same block…
What VA disability rating can I get for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
Possible VA ratings for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are 100%. Examples: 100%: The code's only evaluation. Its criterion is the disease itself, and there is no lesser tier..
What evidence helps prove Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) claim includes: The diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stated as such. It is the criterion for the code's only evaluation.; Service records showing active, continuous service of 90 days or more, which is the one service requirement 38 CFR 3.318(b)(3) s…
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Waiting to file. The code's only evaluation turns on the diagnosis, and severity does not change it.; Assuming too much time has passed since discharge. 38 CFR 3.318 states no window.; Trying to prove an in-service cause. 38 CFR 3.318 establishes ser…
Is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is recognized as a presumptive condition. 38 CFR 3.318(a) says the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis manifested at any time after discharge or release from active military, naval, air, or space service is sufficient to establish service connection for that disease. I…
Is ALS presumed service connected for every veteran?
Yes, for a veteran with 90 days or more of active, continuous service, unless one of three exceptions applies. 38 CFR 3.318(a) says the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis manifested at any time after discharge or release from active military, naval, air, or space service is sufficient to establish service connection. It names no exposure and no window. Paragraph (b) lists the exceptions: affirmative evidence that ALS was not incurred during or aggravated by service, affirmative evidence that it is due to the veteran's own willful misconduct, or no active, continuous service of 90 days or more.
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Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.124a, Schedule of ratings, neurological conditions (Diagnostic Code 8017)
- 38 CFR § 4.31, zero percent evaluations
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation. The eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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