SMC coding is 01-01-00-00-1. Note: d. Presumptive Presumptive SC may be established for MS if the disease becomes manifest Service within seven years from the date of separation. Connection for MS For more information on requirements for establishment of Reference: presumptive SC, see and . 6. ALS Introduction This topic contains information about ALS, including definition of ALS establishing presumptive service connection for ALS assigning a 100-percent minimum evaluation for ALS evaluation guidelines for ALS, and ALS and ancillary benefits Change Date August 6, 2015 a. Definition of (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS neuromuscular disease that causes degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and spontaneous muscle activity. Effective September 23, 2008, established a presumption of SC for ALS for b. Establishing Presumptive any Veteran who SC for ALS had active, continuous service of 90 days or more, and develops the disease at any time after discharge from active service. Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is considered to be a qualifying Note: not disease under . Because PLS and ALS are diseases of the nervous system and both affect motor neurons, treating physicians may not be able to identify whether the Veteran has PLS or ALS in the initial stages. If the diagnosis is uncertain after reviewing the medical evidence, request a medical opinion with examiner review of pertinent evidence in the all claims folder.
Note: SMC coding is 01-01-00-00-1. d. Presumptive Service Connection for MS Presumptive SC may be established for MS if the disease becomes manifest within seven years from the date of separation. Reference: For more information on requirements for establishment of presumptive SC, see and . 6. ALS Introduction This topic contains information about ALS, including definition of ALS establishing presumptive service connection for ALS assigning a 100-percent minimum evaluation for ALS evaluation guidelines for ALS, and ALS and ancillary benefits Change Date August 6, 2015 a. Definition of ALS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neuromuscular disease that causes degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and spontaneous muscle activity. b. Establishing Presumptive SC for ALS Effective September 23, 2008, established a presumption of SC for ALS for any Veteran who had active, continuous service of 90 days or more, and develops the disease at any time after discharge from active service. Note: Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is not considered to be a qualifying disease under . Because PLS and ALS are diseases of the nervous system and both affect motor neurons, treating physicians may not be able to identify whether the Veteran has PLS or ALS in the initial stages. If the diagnosis is uncertain after reviewing the medical evidence, request a medical opinion with examiner review of all pertinent evidence in the claims folder.
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