Surviving spouses of veterans who died of Lou Gehrig's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

On Sept 23, 2008, Lou Gehrig's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), was made a presumptive condition for all veterans who served in our armed forces for at least 90 consecutive days. This means that the unmarried surviving spouses of those veterans who died of ALS in years past are eligible for the VA surviving spouse's monthly benefit, which is very substantial.

Veterans diagnosed with ALS, including those whose claims were denied in the past, or the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of ALS, are encouraged to contact their American Legion service officers for more information, or assistance with filing a claim, by calling (800) 433-3318.

See: http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/serviceconnected/presumptive.doc

Veterans diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's disease at any time after discharge or release from qualifying active service is sufficient to establish service connection for the disease, if the veteran had active, continuous service of 90 days or more.