Studies have shown that Veterans are 1.5 to 2 times as likely as civilians to be diagnosed with ALS. Veterans who are diagnosed with ALS and served in the U.S. military for 90 or more consecutive days of active duty and have been honorably discharged are eligible for disability compensation and healthcare through the VA.
Veterans with ALS who did not serve 90 or more days of active duty, served in the military reserves, or had an other-than-honorable discharge are encouraged to contact their local VA ALS Coordinator to discuss their eligibility for benefits and care.

What are VA benefits?

Eligible Veterans can receive critical benefits such as:
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  • Disability Compensation
  • Access to VA ALS Clinics
  • Copayment Exempt Healthcare
  • Home Health Care Benefits
  • Caregiver Support and Caregiver Stipend Benefits
  • Home Modification Benefits 
  • CHAMPVA Benefits
  • Durable Medical Equipment and Assistive Technology
  • Automobile Grant
  • Recreation Therapy and Adaptive Sports
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How do I apply for service-connected benefits?

To apply for your service-connected benefits, we strongly recommend reaching out to a Veterans Service Organization like the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Navigating the VA system on your own can be a confusing and frustrating process. PVA can be your advocate—they will explain your benefits, answer questions, give you tips, help you with paperwork, and expedite your application, which may take 90 days or so to get approved.
While waiting for your benefits, you should get connected with a local ALS organization. You can receive support from the VA and your local ALS organization at the same time. In addition, local organizations can provide much-needed support to your loved ones during this process.

Can I attend an ALS clinic before getting approved?

Yes, it is very important to begin attending an ALS clinic as soon as possible after your diagnosis. Even if you have not yet been approved for service-connected benefits, you can request a referral to VA ALS clinics and services as long as you have a confirmed ALS diagnosis and supporting documentation. There is an established process that can get you the care you need while you are waiting for approval. A VA staff person, often a social worker or nurse care coordinator, should be able to guide you through the process and discuss your options.

Can I attend a non-VA ALS clinic?

Yes. You can choose to go to a community ALS clinic, though most veterans eventually make the transition to the VA because all their care and benefits can be coordinated in one place. If you choose to attend an ALS clinic outside of the VA, you will need to use other insurance to pay for your care. If there is no VA ALS clinic in your area, your local VA may make a referral and pay for you to attend a community ALS clinic.

If I was diagnosed at a non-VA clinic, can I attend both clinics?

It’s best to narrow your ALS care down to one clinic. Most Veterans would agree that the VA ALS clinics provide comprehensive and streamlined care. Given there is a shortage of ALS clinics in the private sector, it’s best not to use two clinic slots simultaneously once you have decided on which ALS clinic works best for you.

Resources Created by Veterans Living with ALS

The Veterans Team at I AM ALS has created the following documents to help you navigate the VA and your ALS journey:
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I AM ALS also hosts a monthly virtual support group for veterans.

Can I receive VA benefits and Medicare benefits?

Yes. In addition to your VA benefits, you can also qualify for and receive Medicare benefits—as long as you are eligible. Medicare can help you pay for services outside the VA system that the VA might not cover, such as visits to non-VA ALS clinics or other medical professionals. If you don’t qualify for Medicare, you will still receive full coverage within the VA system.​

Can I receive VA benefits and Medicaid benefits?

When you are diagnosed with ALS and start receiving monetary disability compensation from the VA, you will no longer qualify for Medicaid benefits. If you also have Medicare, that will continue to be your primary insurance and the VA will become secondary.

Can I receive VA benefits and Social Security benefits?

Yes. Veterans can receive both VA Disability Compensation and Social Security Disability or Social Security Retirement benefits.

VA ALS Webpage

To learn how and where Veterans diagnosed with ALS can access care through the VA, and to find links to additional resources, visit the VA ALS System of Care webpage on the VA website. 

VA Support for ALS Caregivers

There are two programs available at the VA to support caregivers who are providing care to Veterans:
 
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
​For Caregivers of Veterans diagnosed with ALS who qualify for service-connected benefits (70% and higher) and are in need of in-home personal care services for activities of daily living and/or a need for supervision or protection based on neurological or other impairment or injury. Caregivers are eligible for:

  • A monthly stipend for the primary family caregiver
  • CHAMPVA health insurance (if the caregiver has no current health insurance; only available under age 65)
  • Respite care for up to 30 days per year
  • Reimbursement for traveling expenses to medical appointments
  • Continued education and support from the program through wellness contacts
  • Legal and Financial Planning Services
  • Individual counseling
 
Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)
Caregivers of Veterans with a service-connection lower than 70% are eligible for:

  • Continued education and skills training
  • One-on-one coaching
  • Caregiver support groups
  • Referrals to VA and Community Based Care
 
Learn more and apply on the National VA Caregiver Support Program website at  www.caregiver.va.gov or call 1-855-260-3274 for more information.

What else should I know?

Most of the information on this website will also pertain to you. We encourage you to explore Your ALS Guide to learn about ALS, self-care, medical decisions, respiratory support, and more. If you have been recently diagnosed, you can start with our Newly Diagnosed Guide.

Interview with Jeremy Van Tress

Jeremy is a US Army veteran who earned a PhD in social work after his ALS diagnosis. In his interview with Your ALS Guide, Jeremy tells his story, shares how he's coped, and offers advice. See interview

NEWLY DIAGNOSED GUIDE

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