An AL amyloidosis VA rating is granted at 100 percent under Diagnostic Code 7717 of the disability evaluation schedule, and the condition is recognized as presumptively service connected for veterans exposed to herbicide agents. Under [38 CFR 3.309(e)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.309), AL amyloidosis is listed as the first condition on the presumptive list for herbicide exposure, which removes the need to prove a medical link between military service and the disease. Presumptive recognition provides an essential legal pathway, but it does not remove the need for an active clinical diagnosis or qualifying service records. You must provide clear medical records confirming AL amyloidosis alongside military personnel records demonstrating service that meets VA exposure requirements. Knowing how the VA evaluates medical documentation and herbicide exposure enables you to submit a complete claim file from the start.

AL Amyloidosis VA Rating Under Diagnostic Code 7717

Diagnostic Code 7717 in the VA rating schedule assigns a single evaluation of 100 percent for AL amyloidosis, which is also designated as primary amyloidosis. The evaluation schedule for this condition is established under [38 CFR 4.117](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/4.117), which governs disabilities of the hemic and lymphatic systems. Under the regulatory text for Diagnostic Code 7717, the VA designates 100 percent as the sole evaluation tier. No other percentage tier is listed for Diagnostic Code 7717 in the schedule text. When the VA grants service connection under Diagnostic Code 7717, the veteran is assigned this maximum schedular rating. Because the rating schedule lists no lower rating percentages for AL amyloidosis, the central issue in any claim under this code is establishing service connection rather than arguing over impairment levels or staging.

Presumptive Service Connection Under 38 CFR 3.309(e)

AL amyloidosis is recognized as a presumptive condition under 38 CFR 3.309(e) for veterans who meet statutory exposure requirements for herbicide agents. In standard disability claims, an applicant must establish three distinct elements: an in-service injury or event, a current medical diagnosis, and a medical nexus connecting the two. For presumptive conditions, federal law eliminates the third element by presuming that military exposure caused the illness. Under 38 CFR 3.309(e), AL amyloidosis stands as the first condition named among diseases associated with herbicide exposure, commonly known as Agent Orange. This presumptive framework does not exempt you from showing that your military service placed you in an area where herbicide agents were used. The Department of Veterans Affairs establishes specific dates and qualifying geographical locations where herbicide exposure is legally conceded. Because eligible service locations have expanded over time, you should check the official [VA Agent Orange eligibility page](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/) to confirm whether your service records match current exposure rules. Legislative updates, including the PACT Act, modified multiple presumptive categories. We examine related expansions in our guide to [Agent Orange presumptive additions](/pact-act/agent-orange-2026-additions/), but you should always confirm the latest list of covered conditions directly on the [VA Agent Orange page](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/).

Comparison of Presumptive and Direct Service Connection

Presumptive service connection eliminates the legal requirement to submit an independent medical nexus opinion while maintaining the requirement for an active medical diagnosis and qualifying service records. In reality, the presumption only replaces the medical opinion that would otherwise be required to link your condition to your military duties. You must still satisfy all other legal thresholds established by federal regulations. The table below outlines how presumptive service connection compares to direct service connection across essential claim criteria:
Claim Element Presumptive Service Connection Direct Service Connection
Medical Diagnosis Required from clinical records Required from clinical records
Medical Nexus Conceded under 38 CFR 3.309(e) Required
Service Exposure Must match VA exposure criteria Must establish an in-service event
Schedule Evaluation 100 percent under Diagnostic Code 7717 100 percent under Diagnostic Code 7717
As the comparison demonstrates, presumptive status addresses only the causal link between your military duty and the illness. It does not replace the requirement for a verified clinical diagnosis in your medical records, nor does it override the necessity of proving that your service occurred in an authorized location during the designated time frames.

Evidence Required for an Amyloidosis VA Claim

A successful amyloidosis VA claim requires certified pathology documentation, clinical treatment notes, and official military records establishing qualifying duty stations. Clinicians diagnose and manage AL amyloidosis, and a diagnosis in the medical record is the starting point for a claim. This page does not provide medical advice or prognostic evaluations. Instead, veterans should gather diagnosis and pathology records confirming AL amyloidosis or primary amyloidosis. In addition to pathology records, you should gather treatment records. These clinical notes establish that the condition is active and being managed under medical supervision. The VA requires clear diagnostic verification before any evaluation can be assigned under the rating schedule. Military documentation is equally critical. You must submit service records showing where and when you served. The VA reviews these records to confirm that your service meets herbicide exposure standards. You can examine how the VA analyzes these requirements in our guide to [service connection requirements](/va-claims/service-connection-requirements/).

Five Steps for Preparing an Application

Completing a structured evidentiary review before submitting your claim package ensures that the Department of Veterans Affairs receives all required medical records without unnecessary delays. Taking time to organize your records prior to filing prevents lengthy requests for additional evidence from the regional office. Complete these five steps when preparing your application:
  1. Secure your complete clinical diagnostic records and pathology reports confirming AL amyloidosis or primary amyloidosis.
  2. Collect treatment records from your medical providers.
  3. Gather service records showing where and when you served.
  4. Verify your service locations and dates against current herbicide criteria on the [VA Agent Orange eligibility page](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/).
  5. Review current application forms and submission procedures directly on the [VA Agent Orange benefits page](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/) before submitting your file.
Submitting a fully developed evidentiary file allows the rating adjudicator to review your diagnosis and military history without pausing to request missing records from outside institutions.

Compensation and Pension Examinations for AL Amyloidosis

The Department of Veterans Affairs conducts a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination to verify your clinical diagnosis and review your existing medical evidence. In a presumptive claim, the examiner does not evaluate whether your military service caused the illness, because causation is already conceded by law if your exposure is verified. The examiner focuses on reviewing your medical records, verifying the diagnosis of AL amyloidosis, and confirming that your condition meets the criteria under Diagnostic Code 7717. You should bring copies of your pathology reports, physician letters, and treatment records to your appointment. Review our recommendations on [C&P exam tips](/va-claims/c-and-p-exam-tips/) to understand what happens during these medical reviews. The VA determines how much weight to give each piece of evidence, and attending your scheduled exam is necessary for processing your claim. If you already receive compensation for another condition, you can also review how a [claim for increase](/va-claims/claim-for-increase/) functions when updating your total disability evaluation. Veterans exposed to herbicide agents may claim multiple presumptive conditions simultaneously if they have received distinct medical diagnoses. Federal regulations recognize several diseases associated with herbicide exposure beyond AL amyloidosis. For example, veterans diagnosed with cardiovascular conditions can review rating criteria in our guide on the [ischemic heart disease VA rating](/va-disability/ischemic-heart-disease-va-rating/). Similarly, individuals with plasma cell disorders can examine how the VA evaluates [monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)](/explainers/mgus-va-disability-rating/) under the rating schedule. Because the PACT Act revised multiple presumptive categories, the list of recognized conditions has evolved over time. You should confirm current presumptive listings directly on the [VA Agent Orange program page](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/) to determine whether other diagnosed illnesses warrant an independent claim.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Surviving Family Members

Surviving spouses and eligible dependents may receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) when a veteran dies from a service-connected disability. Dependency and indemnity compensation may be available to survivors in some cases. Specific eligibility rules and relationship requirements apply to survivor claims. You can review official qualification details and application procedures on the [VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation page](https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/).

Scope of the Presumption and Regulatory Changes

Presumptive service connection under 38 CFR 3.309(e) applies exclusively to AL amyloidosis and requires verified military service in recognized exposure locations. Who this is not for: This presumptive pathway is strictly limited to veterans diagnosed with AL amyloidosis, also known as primary amyloidosis. It does not apply to individuals diagnosed with other forms of amyloidosis. Additionally, veterans whose military service did not include qualifying herbicide exposure cannot use 38 CFR 3.309(e). What would change our answer: Our guidance would change if the Department of Veterans Affairs amends the regulatory provisions of 38 CFR 3.309(e) or if Congress enacts legislation modifying herbicide presumptive categories. Similarly, if the VA amends 38 CFR 4.117 to introduce graduated rating percentages under Diagnostic Code 7717, the evaluation criteria described here would no longer apply.

Next Steps for an AL Amyloidosis VA Rating

Filing an AL amyloidosis VA rating claim requires submitting your clinical records and military history directly through official VA channels. Begin by obtaining your formal pathology reports from your treating physician and gathering your military service records. Confirm that your service dates and locations match the exposure criteria published on the [VA Agent Orange eligibility page](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/). Once your documentation is organized, submit your application online or work with an accredited representative to pursue your AL amyloidosis VA rating. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rank and Pay is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Confirm current rules and forms on the [VA Agent Orange page](https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/) before you file.