DC 8017Neurological Conditions38 CFR § 4.124a

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The VA rates Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis under Diagnostic Code 8017 at a single 100% level. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.

Rating schedule — DC 8017 at a glance

Minimum rating
100%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
100%

Full schedular disability

Rating tiers
1

100%

CFR section
§ 4.124a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Neurological Conditions
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

RatingCriteria
100%

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

These diagnostic codes sit next to Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.

  1. 8005Bulbar palsyRated up to 100%
  2. 8009Brain, vessels, hemorrhage fromRated up to 100%
  3. 8010MyelitisRated up to 10%
  4. 8011Poliomyelitis, anteriorRated up to 100%
  5. 8012HematomyeliaRated up to 100%
  6. 8018Multiple sclerosisRated up to 30%
  7. 8019Meningitis, cerebrospinal, epidemicRated up to 100%
  8. 8020Brain, abscess ofRated up to 100%
  9. 8021Spinal cord, new growths of, malignantRated up to 100%
  10. 8022Spinal cord, new growths of, benignRated up to 60%
All 113 neurological conditions

Common Questions About Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

The VA rates Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis under Diagnostic Code 8017 at 100%. The minimum 100% rating requires: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The maximum 100% rating requires: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

The VA rates Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8017, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

Can Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 100% rating for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

The key evidence for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis distinguish the rating tiers. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.

What happens at the C&P exam for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8017 rating criteria. The examiner tests reflexes, sensation, and motor function. If nerve damage is suspected, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be ordered. Distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis — the rating difference is significant.

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