We dissect the VA's approach to rating neurological conditions, revealing how ALS claims are structured to maximize benefits while other similar conditions receive less comprehensive evaluations.

• Bethanie Spangenberg shares concerns about proposed VA changes to neurological rating criteria that could negatively impact veterans
• ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) is the only disability presumptively service-connected for all veterans with 90+ days of service
• Veterans are twice as likely as civilians to develop ALS, possibly due to environmental toxins or physical stress during service
• The 12-page ALS DBQ specifically prompts examiners to consider Special Monthly Compensation benefits including aid and attendance
• Unlike ALS, other neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease have DBQs lacking sections for documenting housebound status and SMC needs
• The VA's definition of "loss of use" of extremities has been clarified but remains inconsistently applied across different conditions
• Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), similar to ALS but slower-progressing, faces potential rating reductions under proposed changes
• Veterans with peripheral neuropathy or other neurological conditions should file claims before criteria changes take effect
• Valor for Vet is building resources on diagnostic codes and medical education on their website for veteran reference

You can watch this episode on YouTube by clicking here. 

Tune in live every Thursday at 7 PM EST and join the conversation! Click here to listen and chat with us.

Visit J Basser's Exposed Vet Productions (Formerly Exposed Vet Radioshow) YouTube page by clicking here.