Anterior Horn Cell Disease (ALS)

DC 8017Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8017

A progressive disease destroying motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem, leading to muscle weakness, wasting, and eventual paralysis. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form. ALS is presumptively service-connected for all veterans with 90 or more days of continuous active service. The VA assigns a minimum 30% rating, but most veterans with ALS receive 100%.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 8017

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8017. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have advanced ALS with severe disability. You are unable to care for yourself, have respiratory compromise, or require feeding assistance. This is the most common rating for ALS.

What the VA looks for

Severe weakness or paralysis in multiple extremities
Respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support
Inability to swallow requiring feeding tube
Complete dependence for activities of daily living
Documented need for aid and attendance

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing that ALS is presumptively service-connected for any veteran with 90 or more days of continuous active service — you do not need to prove a specific in-service cause. File as a presumptive condition.
⚠Not filing for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) — most ALS veterans qualify for SMC for aid and attendance, loss of use of extremities, or respiratory support needs.
⚠Not requesting individual unemployability (TDIU) early in the disease course — even when the rating has not reached 100%, ALS typically prevents employment well before that point.
⚠Not documenting each affected body system separately — ALS can affect speech, swallowing, breathing, and each limb. Each area of impairment can be rated independently.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases
DBQ Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Anterior Horn Cell Disease (ALS)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8017

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have advanced ALS with severe disability. You are unable to care for yourself, have respiratory compromise, or require feeding assistance. This is the most common rating for ALS.

What the VA looks for

Severe weakness or paralysis in multiple extremities
Respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support
Inability to swallow requiring feeding tube
Complete dependence for activities of daily living
Documented need for aid and attendance

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing that ALS is presumptively service-connected for any veteran with 90 or more days of continuous active service — you do not need to prove a specific in-service cause. File as a presumptive condition.

⚠Not filing for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) — most ALS veterans qualify for SMC for aid and attendance, loss of use of extremities, or respiratory support needs.

⚠Not requesting individual unemployability (TDIU) early in the disease course — even when the rating has not reached 100%, ALS typically prevents employment well before that point.

⚠Not documenting each affected body system separately — ALS can affect speech, swallowing, breathing, and each limb. Each area of impairment can be rated independently.