Als - Reference Thread

[K9MAL]

My father has been undergoing testing with several specialists for the past couple of months to try make a determination on what exactly's been happening to him. At this point, many things are pointing to ALS including muscle atrophy, tongue fasciculations, muscle twitching, pain, spinal issues, etc. and he's been deteriorating very rapidly over the past 3 or 4 months. His referral to the Mayo Clinic was just accepted by their team and he'll be traveling there this weekend in hopes that they can make a determination as to what's going on.

He was a CWO flying Hueys in the Army for about 8 years then moved on to a different Federal career where he retired a few years ago. Other than hearing loss from helicopters, which he didn't pursue as a disability, he is not currently classified as a disabled veteran and had no idea that ALS was linked to vets, neither did I until now. Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS as the general population.

I've compiled a list of reference material for those veterans who have been diagnosed with ALS so that they're not having to search through multiple sites and tons of material on the internet. All links are to official VA documents, press releases and fact sheets. Please feel free to add any additional information that pertains to the subject or that you think will be helpful in any way.

Currently, ALS is a presumptive condition for anyone having served for 90 or more continuous days in the United States military. With a diagnosis of ALS the veteran may apply for VA disability and will automatically be rated at 100% disabled, up from the previous 30% minimum rating. The change went into effect on Jan. 19, 2012, and was announced in the Federal Register Dec. 20, 2011. The current rate for a veteran with a spouse at a 100% rating is $3018 per month ($36k annually).

The veteran is also eligible to apply for SMC (Special Monthly Compensation) to help offset the costs associated with ALS. Depending on the stage of the disease and the progression the compensation can max out somewhere in the neighborhood of $8300 per month.

The veteran is also automatically eligible for the SHA (Special Housing Accommodation) which is approximately $68k and helps enable the veteran to retrofit or purchase a home that will accommodate their special needs.

An automobile grant ($19,500) is available as well so that the veteran may have transportation that will accommodate a wheelchair.

Other benefits may include CHAMPVA health insurance for their dependents and survivor's benefits (DIC), the base rate is currently $1215, as well.

For help with applying and processing the claim I would highly suggest utilizing the free services of Paralyzed Veterans of America. PVA has really led the fight for ALS and knows all of the ins and outs concerning the disease and dealing with the VA. They can help the veteran in obtaining the maximum benefit that is due to the eligible veteran.

1. VA Press Release (2008) establishing ALS as a presumptive condition: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1583

2. VA Press Release (2014) making SHA automatic for vets with ALS: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2530

3. VA Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ): http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0960C-2-ARE.pdf

[Berta]

THANKS MUCH!

Yes as soon as it became presumptive the info from VA was posted here but it always pays to remind veterans of these regulations from time to time.

This is good info for every veteran to have.

We had another thread here on ALS a few weeks ago and I said at that thread that I bet many VSOs dont even know of or remember that ALS is presumptive .

If he is filing for ALS, if that becomes his diagnosis, he should file for the hearing loss as well.

"CWO flying Hueys in the Army for about 8 years then moved on to a different Federal career where he retired a few years ago."

With that MOS the VA will probably concede SC right away.

As a civilian I have been in a few helos and even with the acoustical head gear they were LOUD!

Also the Hearling loss MOS training letter is here somewhere and I will post that for you.

[K9MAL]

If he is filing for ALS, if that becomes his diagnosis, he should file for the hearing loss as well.

"CWO flying Hueys in the Army for about 8 years then moved on to a different Federal career where he retired a few years ago."

With that MOS the VA will probably concede SC right away.

You're welcome, I hope it can help a few people.

What would applying for the hearing loss do? If he's already at 100% would it matter? I have no idea and appreciate your advice.

[Berta]

"Here is the Training letter in this thread:

:

The Duty list link doesnt work.........

He should also claim tinnitus as well, if he has it."

"What would applying for the hearing loss do? If he's already at 100% would it matter"

You are right it might not matter at all.

But there is always the potential that,with 100%, any vet could also have an independent additional SC disability, rated at 60 % and then they would be eligible for the SMC S award.

Also I would think that ALS alone might well render your dad as housebound at some point.

I hope not but that too would warrant the SMC S award.

[Berta]

To add:

"On December 20, 2011, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published regulations that increased to 100% the minimum disability rating automatically provided to all veterans with ALS who qualify for service connected benefits. The rating is provided regardless of the progression of the disease or whether or not a veteran is totally disabled at the time of their evaluation. "

http://www.alsa.org/als-care/veterans/faqs-new-veterans.html#three

This article also includes information that ALS veterabns can receive levels of SMC higher then the SMC Housebound rate:

It states:

"Note that veterans with ALS also may qualify for additional compensation, potentially more than $8,000 per month, depending on a number of other factors including those listed below. "

The article refers to (I think) by 8,000, the SMC "M" award and also dependents amounts.

Also I am sure that he would be eligible for the Special Adaptive Housing Grant.

[Buck52]

Question? how can a veteran find out if he is in the Federal Register? From being exposed to AO?

And does a VA Dr PCP have the responsibility to let a veteran know if he /she has any of these of these disease mention in the Registry?

[K9MAL]

Great info Berta. Thanks!