The Board has determined that the Veteran's neurological disability, which includes upper motor neuron ALS and PLS, is service-connected based on direct evidence of a connection to service.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the Veteran's neurological condition is consistent with ALS, and his doctor provided clinical articles supporting this diagnosis. The Board finds it at least as likely as not that the Veteran's neurological disability is a variant of ALS, which can be subject to the presumptive service connection for ALS.
- Claimed conditions
- upper motor neuron amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 15, 2014
- Citation
- 1402071
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1402071.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the case to obtain an addendum opinion addressing the conflicting diagnoses and their etiology.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) as a variant of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on a presumptive basis.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) on a presumptive basis, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
- Whole decision: Granted
Service connection for primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is granted.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.