# Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2023

This bill addresses a serious health concern affecting military veterans: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. The legislation recognizes that veterans may have been exposed to environmental hazards during their military service that could be connected to developing ALS, and it aims to ensure these veterans receive proper support and benefits.

The bill makes it easier for veterans with ALS to qualify for disability benefits and healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, it presumes that if a veteran develops ALS, it may be service-connected—meaning the VA will assume the disease is related to their military service without requiring the veteran to prove the connection. This is important because ALS is a devastating disease that progressively weakens muscles, eventually affecting a person's ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. By establishing this presumption, veterans don't have to fight lengthy battles to prove their illness came from their time in the military; they can focus on getting the medical care and financial support they need.

The practical impact is significant for affected veterans and their families. Veterans with ALS would become eligible for VA disability compensation, which provides monthly payments based on the severity of their condition. They'd also gain access to VA healthcare services, including treatments, medications, and support services. Additionally, their families might qualify for survivor benefits if the disease becomes fatal. This legislation essentially removes a major barrier that veterans previously faced when trying to access these critical resources, allowing them to get help more quickly and with less bureaucratic struggle during what is already an extremely difficult time.

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2023

Coons, Christopher A.

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2023 This bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse of a veteran who dies from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) regardless of how long the veteran had such disease prior to death. Under current law, such compensation is paid for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death.