For Veterans with ALS

Thanks to your service, you should qualify for generous benefits that will help pay for the majority of your expenses associated with ALS.
 
These benefits are available because the VA listed ALS as a service-connected disease in 2008. Military veterans—particularly of the Gulf War—are twice as likely as civilians to be diagnosed with ALS.
Below we provide a brief overview of your benefits as well as suggestions for getting started.

Am I eligible for service-connected benefits?

If you have been diagnosed with ALS, served in the U.S. military for 90 or more consecutive days of active duty, and have been honorably discharged, you will likely be eligible for special service-connected benefits.

What are service-connected benefits?

If you qualify, you can receive numerous benefits through the VA, including:
 
  • VA ALS clinics – visits with ALS specialists at your nearest VA medical center
  • Durable medical equipment – devices for your respiratory, mobility, communication, daily living, and other needs 
  • Disability compensation – a monthly tax-free payment that you can use as you wish
  • Specially-adapted housing grant (SAH) – ​money to help build, buy, or remodel a home that meets your disability requirements
  • Automobile grant – a one-time payment of up to $20,000 to buy a disability-accessible vehicle​
  • Aid and attendance allowance – additional money to help pay for care at home
 
The ALS Association goes into greater detail on service-connected benefits.

ALS Clinics at the VA

​In many areas of the country, VA medical centers and outpatient clinics provide veterans with access to medical care. A growing number of VA medical centers have ALS clinics with teams of ALS specialists who provide coordinated care for veterans. Attending one of these clinics can extend your life and improve your quality of life.

How do I get started?

If you have been diagnosed with ALS and have 90 days of consecutive active duty, you should be eligible for service-connected benefits. But you cannot make an appointment with ALS clinics at the VA until you have been approved for service-connected benefits and enrolled in the VA system.

  1. To apply for your service-connected benefits, we strongly recommend reaching out to a veterans service organization like the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Navigating the VA system on your own can be a confusing and frustrating process. PVA or DAV will become 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.
  2. While waiting for your benefits, you should get connected with either your local ALS Association or Muscular Dystrophy Association chapter. Ask for recommendations for an ALS clinic outside the VA, make an appointment, and begin attending the clinic. Follow the team’s recommendations and do not stop attending until you fully transition to the VA. Search Your ALS Clinics Directory for an ALS clinic near you.
  3. When the VA accepts your application and approves your service-connected benefits, you will automatically get an appointment within 30 days. You will also be assigned a social worker/case manager and primary doctor.​

What if I need a power wheelchair?

Custom tilt-and-recline power wheelchairs are one of the most helpful—and expensive—pieces of medical equipment for ALS patients. If you are a service-connected veteran, the VA should cover all of the costs associated with your wheelchair, including the additional power-elevating seat feature.

​If you become concerned that a walker, scooter, or standard power wheelchair will no longer meet your mobility needs, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician at the VA to discuss getting evaluated for a tilt-and-recline power wheelchair.

​Your physician will likely refer you to an occupational or physical therapist for an evaluation, which will be submitted for approval. Once approved, your wheelchair should arrive within 4-12 weeks. Your physical or occupational therapist will schedule a follow-up appointment to make adjustments—with you in the chair—before training you how to use it. Procedures between VA facilities will vary.
​Visit Your ALS Power Wheelchair Guide to learn all about custom tilt-and-recline power wheelchairs. ​
Note: When you are approved for your power wheelchair, you will also become eligible for an automobile grant of $21,000 that you can apply toward the purchase of a handicap-accessible van.

Can I receive these VA benefits and Medicare?

Yes. As a veteran, you can also get Medicare benefits—as long as you are eligible. With an ALS diagnosis, you do not have to be 65 years old or retired to qualify for Medicare. If you have worked in the last ten years and have paid taxes into Medicare for a total of 40 quarters (ten years) or more, you should qualify.

If you do not qualify for Medicare, the VA health care system will cover you fully. ​

Can I receive these VA benefits and Medicaid?

No. Once you begin receiving disability compensation from the VA, you cannot also receive benefits through Medicaid. Your VA health care or Medicare will become your primary insurance.


​Things you can do

1. Contact your local ALS Association chapter.

The ALS Association is the main ALS support organization in the United States. It has local chapters across the country that provide free support services, such as one-on-one advice, equipment, support groups, and more. All you need to do is call or email. You can receive support from the VA and The ALS Association at the same time.

2. Contact your Paralyzed Veterans of America chapter.

The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has chapters across the country. Locate your nearest chapter to find out what services they offer. You may also want to ask your ALS Association chapter if there is a better organization in your area, such as The American Legion, to help with your application.

3. Read our People with ALS page.

Most of the information on this website will also pertain to you as a veteran. When there are specific differences for you, we will point it out. After reading this current page, we recommend starting with our People with ALS page.

4. Get organized and plan ahead.

Remember that there are waiting periods between applying for your benefits and receiving them. If you are not working, you will need to cover your finances until you begin receiving disability income. There is a 90-day waiting period between applying for your VA benefits and receiving them. There is a five-month waiting period for Medicare. We suggest organizing your paperwork, contacting The ALS Association and PVA, and applying as soon as you can.  

Common Questions

 For answers to more everyday questions by veterans with ALS,
visit our Common Questions page.
The ALS Association has answers to more frequently asked questions by veterans.