The appeal for an earlier effective date and increased rating for ALS, as well as the claim for special monthly compensation at a higher rate, were denied.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish that the 100 percent rating for ALS was warranted prior to February 4, 2025, or that a higher rating or additional SMC was justified based on the current disability picture.

Claimed conditions

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to include right upper extremity shoulder girdle and arm muscle inclusive body myositis (IBM), bilateral lower extremity muscle IBM, and left upper extremity shoulder girdle and arm muscle IBM

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 5, 2025

Citation

A25096224

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine