NeurologicalDC 8017
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal motor neuron disease. It is rated under Diagnostic Code 8017 at 100% for a current diagnosis. ALS has one of the broadest presumptive windows in the VA system: it is presumptive if diagnosed at ANY time after separation from service, with no time limit. Veterans with ALS are entitled to significant auxiliary benefits including Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35 DEA), VA automobile allowance and adaptive equipment, Specially Adapted Housing grants, and potentially Special Monthly Compensation depending on disease progression.
VA Rating Levels
100%
Current diagnosis of ALS.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →ALS is one of the very few conditions that is presumptive with no time limit after separation. If diagnosed at any point in your life after military service, service connection is presumed.
- →A 100% rating for ALS automatically triggers auxiliary benefits including Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA), automobile allowance, and housing grants.
- →As the disease progresses, you may become eligible for increasingly higher levels of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
- →Make sure your dependents are enrolled in DEERS and aware of the Chapter 35 DEA benefit available to them.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR $ 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8017