Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is one of the most devastating conditions a Veteran can face after service. The disease progressively weakens the body’s muscles, impacting speech, breathing, and mobility. If you are a Veteran diagnosed with ALS, you may qualify for significant VA disability benefits. Filing Veterans’ ALS claims in Parkersburg can help you and your family receive the support you deserve while managing this difficult diagnosis.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes ALS as a service-connected chronic condition for any Veteran who served on active duty for at least 90 continuous days. This presumption means you do not have to prove your military service directly caused the disease. However, the claims process can still be complicated, and the VA may request extensive medical evidence to confirm your diagnosis and rate the severity of your symptoms.
ALS is considered a progressive and incurable neurological disorder that impacts the body’s motor neurons. Because the disease continues advancing over time, the VA typically assigns a 100% disability rating for confirmed ALS diagnoses. This rating acknowledges that ALS affects nearly every aspect of daily life—from walking and swallowing to breathing and communicating.
Although ALS is presumptively service-connected, the VA still requires detailed medical records showing the date of diagnosis, the extent of functional loss, and the course of the disease. Veterans in Parkersburg who are filing ALS disability claims should include statements from treating neurologists, results from nerve conduction studies, and evidence of any assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces, or communication aids. The more thorough the medical evidence, the smoother the VA’s evaluation process will be.
Even though ALS claims qualify for expedited handling, the process can remain confusing for Veterans and their families. Errors in the application, missing documentation, or unclear medical evidence can delay your benefits. Working with VA-accredited attorneys can help ensure your submission is complete and accurate, reducing the risk of unnecessary setbacks.
Veterans in Parkersburg who receive a 100% disability rating for ALS may be eligible for additional benefits beyond monthly compensation. These may include:
Because ALS impacts both the Veteran and his or her family, the VA also provides support for caregivers. This includes training, respite care, and potential financial assistance through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Each case is unique, and benefits depend on your current needs and overall condition.
Veterans with ALS in Parkersburg should also know that their disability benefits will not be reduced if they receive other forms of income or retirement pay. The goal of the VA disability program is to recognize the severity of the disease and ensure that Veterans and their families have the necessary resources for long-term care and support.
If you or someone you love is battling ALS after military service, our VA-accredited attorneys at Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, can help you pursue the benefits you earned. We understand how important these benefits are to your health, independence, and peace of mind.
Our team has helped thousands of Veterans nationwide navigate the VA system successfully. We are ready to help you file or appeal your Veterans’ ALS claim in Parkersburg.
