ALS - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

24 questions in this forum

1. ALS

   Hello, I have been (finally) diagnosed with ALS by the VA. Started getting symptoms in 2015, by 2017 I figured out that the VAMC was not interested in diagnosing those symptoms that were progressing, so I had to go to a non-VA specialist. It took 2 years but in 2019 I was diagnosed w/ALS. VA dragged its feet, and finally in 2021 (after almost 6 years) verified the diagnosis. I have learned a lot about ALS in the meanwhile. The PVA rep told me that the VA has been refusing to allow SC for Vets if the diagnosis they presented was less than definite ALS. Seems odd because people with possible and probable ALS die and never progress to the definite diagnosis. Start…

   Asked by pwrslm, July 29, 2021

   • als
   0 votes
   10 answers
2. Monomelic Amyotrophy

   ALS Variant? I'm a Vet Wife. I post on behalf of my husband, I'm his note taker at doctor's appointments and consults. I'm his support system and all around cheerleader. Lord knows we have had our VA battles. All these years after Vietnam, the onset of my husband's emerging illnesses, obviously percolating internally has emerged one after another. We've seen subtle signs and some not so subtle. But didn't; know what those sign meant. The VA didn't do a very good job of educating the older veterans about what to be aware of regarding SC disabilities, My veteran husband's a Purple Heart Vietnam Veteran served in US Marine Corps. My husband has several s…

   Asked by DonH, June 26, 2017

   • als
   • ao
   • als variant
   • motor neuron disease
   0 votes
   53 answers
3. PLS and ALS

   I would like to know if you are diagnosed with pls, are you able to get disability under als.

   Asked by mtau, August 17, 2015

   0 votes
   7 answers
4. Va Secretary Establishes Als As A Presumptive Compensable Illness

   VA Secretary Establishes ALS as a Presumptive Compensable Illness September 23, 2008 (Printable Version) Cites Association between Military Service and Later Development of ALS WASHINGTON – Veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may receive badly-needed support for themselves and their families after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that ALS will become a presumptively compensable illness for all veterans with 90 days or more of continuously active service in the military. “Veterans are developing ALS in rates higher than the general population, and it was appropriate to take action,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B…

   Asked by Tbird, November 14, 2008

   0 votes
   8 answers
5. Als - Reference Thread

   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 ag…

   Asked by K9MAL, December 12, 2014

   0 votes
   10 answers
6. What Type Of Things Can Be Done With The Sah Grant?

   Because of my 100% disability from ALS, I was also automatically qualified for the Special Adaptive Housing (SAH) Grant. What type of things can this be used for? I know about ramps and grab bars but with almost $68K there must be much more that would be allowable. Specifically I was hoping to be able to add a screened in porch to the back of the house - that would be a perfect place to rest and relax and forget my personal problems!!

   Asked by Colawoman, May 19, 2014

   • sap grant
   0 votes
   1 answer
7. What Type Of Things Can Be Done With The Sah Grant?

   Because of my 100% disability because of ALS I was awarded the Special Adaptive Housing (SAH) Grant. What types of things can this be used for? I know about ramps and grab bars but with almost $68K surely there are other things that would work. Specifically I would like a small screened in porch on the back of my house. This would be the perfect place for me to rest and relax and forget about my personal problems. Has anyone here used their grant?

   Asked by Colawoman, May 19, 2014

   • sap grant
   0 votes
   3 answers
8. Als 100%

   http://www.vfwilserviceoffice.com/upload/C%20and%20P%20Bulletin%20May%202012%20Rating%20ALS%20and%20TBI.doc C&P bulletin

   Asked by JT24usn, April 22, 2013

   0 votes
   0 answers
9. Myotonic Dystrophy Questions And Medicines

   at my latest Neurologist appontment, the doctor agreed to do further testing.. he said there is a blood test for the Myotonic Dystrophy, but that he needs to have the test specially ordered... Also my records who I have Myoclonic seizures, or at least the doctor sees some proof.. those are the hard jerking moves my limbs do where they can just throw themselves out without warning.. For my appeals I have documents and submitting more for peripheral neropathy.. Just wondering if anyone else takes the drug Clonazepam (I have been given a prescription for it). Thanx..

   Asked by retiredat44, December 30, 2010

   0 votes
   2 answers
10. Anyone Been Diagnoses With Ms?

    Anyone been diagnoses with MS? I have been going for some C&P exams, and while I was recently diagnosed with Dystrphy, I stil suspect I have MS, and am anxiously awaiting the outcome.. I would like to chat with those that have MS, or suspect they do.. thanx..

    Asked by retiredat44, July 18, 2010

    0 votes
    25 answers
11. Very Soon, I Should Know If It Is Ms I Suffer From

    Very soon, I should know if it is MS I suffer from. In the coming few days or maybe a couple of weeks, I should find out from my neurologist doctor if it is (Multiple sclerosis) MS that I have been suffering from. I had a new MRI of the brain today. I Had a brain mri 30 years ago on active duty, because I was very sick from chemicals on active duty in the U.S.A.F.. I have had all kinds of neurological symtoms, and mostly tremors all these years, but it has been progressing, I have gone through so many symptoms that could be Parkinsons, Myotonic Dystrophy, MS,, and others.. I have had severe muscle wasting, and to go with all theat, have had myclonic seazures, body parts …

    Asked by retiredat44, June 8, 2012

    0 votes
    0 answers
12. Going To See The Doc.

    Well today is d-day. I am going to see my priviate doc to see if i have ALS or MS he is a speciallist. The question i have is if i am dx with als will i keep my rating that i have now or add to it. I will let you guys know what happen when i get back

    Asked by usmc89, May 10, 2012

    0 votes
    1 answer
13. Causes Of Als

    I was wondering what led to the presumption of als and the military. What was the common denominator between Army Navy Airforce Marines Coast Guard etc that was the same , but was different than the national guard army reserve air guard etc. The training was basically different in all services. The assignments were all different ground forces air forces and water forces. The only thing that I can think of that was the same is the vaccines. If that is the factor that the presumption was made on why is the peace time guard and reserve people that were never activated not eligible for claiming disability They can claim any other disability that happened to them w…

    Asked by dongtam, May 10, 2012

    0 votes
    1 answer
14. Automatic 100%

    Veterans diagnosed with ALS now receive an automatic 100% rating. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-06-23/pdf/2010-15169.pdf

    Asked by ZenArcher, June 25, 2010

    0 votes
    16 answers
15. Presumption Of Service Connection Als

    [Federal Register: November 4, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 212)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 57072-57074] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr04no09-7] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 3 RIN 2900-AN05 Presumption of Service Connection for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY…

    Asked by Wings, January 1, 2010

    0 votes
    5 answers
16. How Many Veterans On Here Have Als

    I was just wondering how many vets on hadit...have ALS

    Asked by Marti, February 25, 2010

    0 votes
    19 answers
17. ptsd Motor Neuron Disease

    First, I'm hesitant to post a topic to this thread that may not be directly related to the intended purpose. My deepest sympathies go out to anyone that has ALS and also to any family members of someone with that disease. I would however suggest that the topic be broadened to include other motor neuron type diseases. I currently have a diagnosis of "motor neuron disease." My symptoms are progressive muscle wasting and also progressive loss of strength. I also have chronic pain from head to toe and am told by neurologists that the pain is unrelated to my motor neuron disease. My disease does not fit "ALS" because mine is progressing much more slowly. In fact, it d…

    Asked by JohnO, February 15, 2011

    0 votes
    13 answers
18. Those With Als, What Symptoms Did You Have At Time Of Va Diagnosis?

    Those with ALS, what symptoms did you have at time of VA Diagnosis? I have symptoms of MS, or ALS, , one VA Neurolgist said I have Myotonic Dystrophy... I would really like to kno wmore about the symptoms other people have.. how did it progress? when did you suspct it? was it a surprise or did you see it coming? thanx, (I just recently had a couple c&p exams, and am awaiting the decision..) thanx..

    Asked by retiredat44, August 14, 2010

    0 votes
    3 answers
19. Als & Va Research

    I just read an article on MSNBC titled "Lou Gehrig my not have had Lou Gehrig's disease". The story first appeared in the New York Times. Seems the Mass. VAMC research center and Boston Medical Center have been conducting studies concerning ALS. It appears to me, after reading the article, that the VA is gearing up to deny a lot of ALS claims under the new AO presumptive. (JMHO) I'm not tech savy so I'm hoping Wings or someone with more knowledge than myself can set up a link to the article. It was titled "Study says brain trauma can mimic Lou Gehrig's disease" in the Times.

    Asked by johnjjr, August 18, 2010

    0 votes
    4 answers
20. Is It Als?

    On June 19th I go in for an EMG.This is with my neuorologist at Duke.I think I will get a dx of ALS as we have already excluded M.S.,Chronic Inflamatory Demylinating Polyneuropathy,Multifocal Motor Axonopathy and its not Progressive Bulbar or Primary Lateral Sclerosis.He says he does not know what I have but its in the spinal muscular atrophy family.He mentioned Progressive Muscular Atrophy.I have lower motor neuron symptoms like fasciculations in both foreams and legs and across the belly,muscle cramps in both hands,atrophy of the left forearm and hand and now have fasciculations in the eyelids and throat.I have stumbled across totally level floors like at Target or J.C.…

    Asked by gyrene, June 10, 2009

    0 votes
    6 answers
21. How Much Longer

    I was diagnosed December 1st had a c&p exam Jan.1st......30% without my spouse and child isn't cutting it....Oh also if someone reads this! I put in a claim in 2008 and not knowing at the time I had ALS, It took two years for the doctors to figure out what I had and I was wondering if I would get retro pay for those two years. I will survive Marti

    Asked by Marti, February 19, 2010

    0 votes
    3 answers
22. Appealing Va Medical Ruling--als Brought To Light

    I was recently awarded by the VA for service connected monomelic amyotrophy a disorder of the lower motor neurons--60% rating. After visiting my neurologist last week, it was revealed that I have atypical ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease) as well. I am not considered "total and permanent" should I appeal the ruling of the VA and shoot for a higher rating. In essence, I have two unclassified motor neuron disorders. Will the VA bump me down on the rating scale? Any one with insight to this please let me know. Thank you!

    Asked by bojangles774, May 27, 2009

    0 votes
    2 answers
23. A.l.s. Claim Approved (timeline)

    Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis SEPT 23,08 FILED CLAIM WITH ASSIST OF PVA VSO. CLAIM FILED AT MUSKOGEE OK. VARO OCT, 27 LETTER GRANTING 30% INTERIM FOR ALS. C+P EXAM SCHEDULED FOR NOV 7. NOV,7 C+P LASTED 30 MINUTES. NOV,21 VSO CALLED. I HAVE BEEN GRANTED 100% P+T WITH SMC R2

    Asked by boblandstar, January 28, 2009

    0 votes
    1 answer
24. What Is Als?

    Courtesy of PGWVET@Yuku Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease - a chronic and rapidly progressive disease that attacks brain cells that control the muscles. As these cells die, the muscles weaken and shrink, become paralyzed. First affected are voluntary muscles (legs, arms), then involuntary muscles, (diaphragm, heart). The brain loses its ability to communicate with the muscles, but thought processes remain intact. ALS is non-contagious, adult-onset and rare among individuals under 45 years of age. There is no known cure for ALS. The VA and DOD funded a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regardi…

    Asked by boblandstar, January 28, 2009

    0 votes
    0 answers