ALS is now on the Presumptive
Disability approval for Vets (9-23-08)
"....
researchers
exploring
the
question
have
been
unable
to
determine
the
actual
cause
of
the
disease.
Fortunately
for
veterans
diagnosed
with
ALS,
VA
guidelines
recently
changed.
The
disease
is
now
presumed
to
be
service-connected
for
U.S.
veterans
from
all
eras,
as
long
as
they
have
had
at
least
90 days
of
continuous
active
service."
"VA's
new rule
establishing
ALS as a
service-connected
disease
became
effective
last
Sept.
23. That
recognition
provides
a
minimum
30-percent
disability
rating
for
veterans
with
ALS,
which
can be
raised
as the
disease
progresses.
Those
who were
denied
disability
assistance
before
the rule
change
can now
re-apply
to get
benefits.
No
retroactive
payments
are
available."
"Disability
benefits
may
include
housing
and
vehicle
modification,
as well
as
monthly
disability
compensation;
medical
benefits
may
provide
equipment
such as
power
wheelchairs.
Many
factors
determine
the
benefits
to which
each
applicant
is
entitled,
and
veterans
are
encouraged
to get
help
from
American
Legion
service
officers
when
filing
their
applications."
American
Legion 3-1-09 article on the
mystery of ALS
legion.org/magazine/2534/unsolved-medical-mystery
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