Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease)

The development of ALS (AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS - 38 CFR § 4.124a or Lou Gehrig's Disease) at any time after discharge or release from active military, naval or air service is sufficient to establish service connection for that disease. Veterans who have a diagnosis of ALS are considered service connected regardless of the number of years following discharge that they were diagnosed. To qualify for the presumption, veterans will still need a formal diagnosis of ALS, and at least 90 days of active, continuous military service.

This applies to all applications for benefits that are received by VA on or after September 23, 2008.

The presumption of service connection for ALS doesn’t apply if there is affirmative evidence that ALS was not incurred during, or aggravated by, service in the military or affirmative evidence that ALS was caused by the veteran’s own willful misconduct.

The rating criteria for ALS in VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities is dependent upon the severity of the disease and its effect on the body systems involved. The minimum rating for ALS is 100% plus any secondary conditions listed below. 

Anyone with a diagnosis of ALS should also apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if not already receiving Social Security benefits.