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:
 
  • 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.

How can I apply?

Applying directly to the VA can be a confusing and frustrating process. Instead of trying to figure it out on your own, we recommend contacting your local ALS Association chapter and your local Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) chapter. 

Paralyzed Veterans of America can:
  • explain your benefits
  • guide you through the application process
  • submit your paperwork
  • be your liaison to the VA

There is a waiting period of about 90 days between applying and receiving your VA disability compensation, so you’ll want to apply as soon as possible after your diagnosis.

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.


​Get started

Here are some important 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.