---
title: "DC 8017 - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis"
diagnostic_code: "8017"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8017-amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:07:09.001208Z"
---

# DC 8017 - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Rated under § 4.124a. Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |

## Notes

- Note: Consider the need for special monthly compensation.
- Note: It is required for the minimum ratings for residuals under diagnostic codes 8000-8025, that there be ascertainable residuals. Determinations as to the presence of residuals not capable of objective verification, i.e., headaches, dizziness, fatigability, must be approached on the basis of the diagnosis recorded; subjective residuals will be accepted when consistent with the disease and not more likely attributable to other disease or no disease. It is of exceptional importance that when ratings in excess of the prescribed minimum ratings are assigned, the diagnostic codes utilized as bases of evaluation be cited, in addition to the codes identifying the diagnoses.

# Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) — VA Disability Rating (Diagnostic Code 8017)

**Body System:** Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8017

---

## What This Condition Is

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological condition rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 8017, within the category of Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders (§ 4.124a).

## Available Rating Level

Under this diagnostic code, the VA provides a single rating level:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **100%** | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |

A diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is evaluated at the 100% level under this diagnostic code.

## What the VA Looks For

- **Consideration of Special Monthly Compensation.** The rating schedule notes that the need for special monthly compensation should be considered in connection with this condition.

- **Ascertainable residuals for minimum ratings.** Across diagnostic codes 8000–8025, the minimum ratings for residuals require that there be ascertainable residuals. For residuals that cannot be objectively verified — such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigability — the VA approaches the determination on the basis of the diagnosis recorded. Subjective residuals will be accepted when they are consistent with the disease and not more likely attributable to another disease or to no disease.

- **Citing diagnostic codes for higher ratings.** It is considered exceptionally important that, when ratings above the prescribed minimum are assigned, the diagnostic codes used as the bases of evaluation are cited in addition to the codes identifying the diagnoses.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8017 under 38 CFR § 4.124a. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts and medical evidence in each case.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a