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ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
VA presumes that ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is connected to service. This applies to any veteran who served 90 days or more in a row on active duty. It doesn't matter when or where you served.
We built these lists with AI from the regulations, the U.S. Code and VA.gov, so please check the official text too.
← Presumptive Condition Checker
Who qualifies
90 days or more of active service in a row.
- I served on active duty for 90 days or more in a row38 CFR 3.318(b)(3)
Conditions VA presumes (1)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)38 CFR 3.318(a)
Time limit
There is no time limit. ALS can appear any time after service.
You'd still need to show
- A current diagnosis of the condition from a doctor or other medical provider.
- Records that show your qualifying service, such as your DD214, orders, or unit or ship records.
- A discharge that isn't dishonorable.
Even when a condition is on a list, VA can still decide it was caused by something else if there is evidence of that (the presumption can be rebutted).
The law: 38 CFR 3.318
Regulation text current as of October 15, 2026. This is general information from a free tool, not legal or medical advice, and not a decision. Only VA decides claims.
What to do next
VetEZ Claim is free, from VetClaims Alliance, a nonprofit. You review, sign and send each form yourself.
1. File an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966)
It tells VA you plan to file. If you file your claim within 1 year, VA can pay you back to the date of your Intent to File.
2. File your claim (VA Form 21-526EZ)
List each condition. You can attach your evidence or send it later.
Did VA deny this condition before?
If it was added to a presumptive list after VA denied it, you can ask VA to look again with a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995). Open in your browser
3. Gather your evidence
- A current diagnosis of the condition from a doctor or other medical provider.
- Records that show your qualifying service, such as your DD214, orders, or unit or ship records.
- A discharge that isn't dishonorable.