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Evidence checklist

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

DC 801738 CFR § 4.124aNeurological

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
EMG documenting widespread denervation (El Escorial criteria)Critical

Needle EMG showing active denervation (fibrillation potentials, positive sharp waves) and chronic reinnervation in at least three body regions (bulbar, cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral), meeting El Escorial or Awaji criteria for ALS.

Private provider · independent opinion
Neurologist evaluation with UMN and LMN sign documentationCritical

A neurologist's evaluation documenting combined upper motor neuron (spasticity, hyperreflexia, Babinski) and lower motor neuron (atrophy, fasciculations, weakness) signs consistent with ALS.

Private provider · independent opinion
Pulmonary function tests and swallow study

PFTs documenting respiratory muscle weakness (reduced FVC) and a modified barium swallow or FEES study documenting dysphagia severity.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
ALSFRS-R (ALS Functional Rating Scale) documentation

The ALSFRS-R score documents functional decline across speech, swallowing, limb function, and respiratory domains. Useful for establishing level of impairment for rating purposes.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Motor Neuron DiseaseCritical

VA standardized form for motor neuron diseases capturing neurological deficits and functional status.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 2 collected
Documentation of qualifying military service (ALS is presumptive for all veterans)Critical

ALS is a VA-presumptive condition for all veterans with honorable service. Documentation of military service is sufficient to establish service connection without a nexus opinion.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180

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