gyrenesmate

It is my understanding, Jeff - ZenArcher, was not fighting for his benefits but rather a strong advocate for vets with ALS. I believe he was one of the vets who fought early on for ALS to be presumptive. We have him, among others, to thank for staying with it and getting it done. He was quite a fountain of knowledge regarding VA benefits and ALS. I bet he would have pleased when this was announced: We are thrilled to report that this morning, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published regulations that would increase from 30% to 100% the minimum disability rating automatically provided to all veterans with ALS who qualify for service connected benefits! The rating would be provided regardless of the progression of the disease or whether or not a veteran is totally disabled at the time of their evaluation. Because the disability rating is used to calculate monthly compensation payments and eligibility for other benefits, this means that veterans with ALS will begin to receive a higher level of benefits much sooner than they otherwise would under the existing regulations, which provide only a 30% minimum rating. It also means that veterans no longer will be forced to have their condition continually re-evaluated in order to receive a higher level of benefits as the disease progresses. This is a tremendous victory for our military heroes with ALS! The regulation will speed access to benefits, decrease the burden on veterans and their families and help them to receive the compensation and benefits they need when they need them.