Resources for Military & Veterans

Service-connected benefits for someone with ALS can include:

• VA ALS clinics visits with ALS specialists at your nearest VA medical center.
• Durable medical equipment for respiratory, mobility, communication, and daily living needs free of cost.
• Disability compensation on a monthly, tax-free basis.
• Special monthly compensation in addition to disability compensation.
• Grants to help build, buy, or remodel an accessible home.
• Automobile grant of up to $25,603.02 to buy a disability-accessible vehicle.
• Aid and attendance allowance to help pay for care at home.

Active-duty soldiers who are diagnosed with ALS would use Tricare for their healthcare needs.  It may be more difficult to get necessary durable medical equipment items that they need.  We would encourage you to discuss your status with your ALS Network Care Manager, who can help you find out about medical retirement and filing a claim for disability.

Even though a diagnosis of ALS is presumed to be service connected the veteran must still apply for benefits and enroll in the VA health care system. It is important that this is done as soon as possible after diagnosis as benefits, including compensation, are retroactive to the date of application for new applicants.

When applying for either VA Health Care or service connected benefits we encourage you to contact:

• ALS Network at careservices@alsnetwork.org.
• ALS Network works closely with veteran service organizations (VSO) such as: Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Accredited Representatives Home (va.gov) VSOs at Regional Benefit Offices - Accredited Representatives (va.gov) to assist all Veterans with their disability claims.

These organizations will help ensure that the required information and forms are properly completed and submitted so that your claim can be processed as quickly as possible. They are also up to date on the latest requirements and benefits available and can help guide you through the application process. 

The application for benefits consists of filling out the appropriate form and submitting any required documentation. The forms are: 

1. Health Care - To register for the VA healthcare system
2. Intent to file for Disability 
3. ALS disability benefit form - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disability Benefits Questionnaire (va.gov)
4. Appointing a Veterans service organization - About VA Form 21-22 | Veterans Affairs

Service connection for ALS provides a minimum disability rating of 100% but the overall level of benefits will be based on the disability across all systems. The ALS Network strongly recommends reaching out to one of the above listed organizations before beginning the application process.