From Paralyzed Veterans of America:
December 19, 2019
Paralyzed Veterans of America is pleased to announce
the introduction of the “The Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2019” by
U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to help
ensure surviving spouses and families of veterans who die from
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) receive all of the benefits
available through the Department of Veterans Affairs to survivors. As
previously reported, the House companion bill was introduced in
mid-October by U.S. Representatives Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (D-Calif.)
and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.).
Since 2008, ALS has been classified as a presumptive, service-connected
disease so surviving spouses would most likely be eligible to receive
basic DIC benefits. However, under current law, a higher rate of DIC
(DIC kicker) is only payable if the veteran was rated totally disabled
for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding
death.
Unfortunately, ALS is a disease that progresses rapidly once it is
diagnosed, and most patients die within two to five years. Some veterans
may live longer but the overwhelming majority of veterans with the
disease do not live long enough to meet the eligibility criteria
required for the DIC kicker. The bipartisan and now bicameral Justice
for ALS Veterans Act would extend benefits to the surviving spouses and
families of veterans who have passed away from ALS, regardless of how
long their veterans lived with the disease.
“Survivors should not be deprived of benefits from the Department of
Veterans Affairs simply because the service-connected disease their
veterans obtained made it nearly impossible for them to meet an
eight-year life expectancy requirement,” said Heather Ansley, PVA’s
associate executive director of government relations. “We thank Senators
Coons and Murkowski for introducing the Justice for ALS Veterans Act
and urge members of Congress in both chambers to quickly pass this
important piece of legislation.”
PVA is committed to supporting veterans with ALS and their families. Learn more.
