Service Connected ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a severe and debilitating condition affecting the nerve cells of the spinal cord and brain. With this condition, understanding your VA Disability Rating and Presumptive Condition benefits becomes extremely crucial. This article will delve into these important areas, explain what they mean for individuals affected with ALS, and how these benefits can be instrumental in their life.
Understanding Service Connected ALS
Unpacking the term “service connected ALS” begins with understanding ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. This neurodegenerative disease gradually deteriorates the motor neurons, which control our voluntary muscles. Service connection refers to those cases where a veteran’s ALS is deemed as linked directly or indirectly to their military service (Source: ALS Association).
Service connected ALS acknowledges the increasing evidence suggesting that military veterans, irrespective of the era or branch of service, are almost twice likely to develop ALS compared to those who haven’t served (Source: ALS Association). This connection is particularly relevant when understanding VA Disability Rating and identifying the benefits that are available.
An Inside Look at VA Disability Rating for ALS
How does the VA Disability Rating work for ALS? A VA or Veterans Affairs Disability Rating is a percentage assigned to a veteran, illustrating the intensity of their disability. A higher rating indicates a more severe service-connected disability (Source: VA.gov).
When it comes to service connected ALS, in 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented a rule declaring ALS a presumptive condition of service connection. Being labeled as a “presumptive disease” means veterans diagnosed with ALS are presumed to have acquired the ailment in connection to their military service. They do not have to establish a connection between their disease and service to be granted VA disability compensation (Source: Military.com).
The VA rates ALS at 100%, a total disability rating, allowing veterans and their families access to the maximum monthly compensation. Besides, the VA accelerates the benefits process for veterans with ALS due to the rapidly progressive nature of the disease (Source: VA.gov).
It’s essential to accurately navigate your way through this process and understand all your compensation options.
The Importance of Presumptive Condition Benefits
Presumptive condition benefits are a crucial part of the resources available to service connected ALS patients. As mentioned, once ALS is recognized as a presumptive condition of military service, veterans are entitled to disability compensation. This compensation can be used for treatment, manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Understanding the Presumptive Condition Benefits in-depth
The Presumptive Condition benefits provide monthly, tax-free payments to veterans. The exact amount of these payments can vary depending upon the nature and extent of the disability. In addition, veterans with dependents, including a spouse, child, or dependent parents who require their care, may receive extra compensation (Source: VA.gov).
Included within these benefits is immediate access to comprehensive VA health services. This includes preventive health care services, outpatient and inpatient diagnostic and treatment services, prescriptions, and long-term care (Source: VA.gov).
Leveraging these benefits is one of the most vital steps in managing service connected ALS. It’s crucial that veterans and their families work comprehensively in understanding and accessing these resources as promptly as possible.
As we unravel the complexities associated with Service Connected ALS, we find it’s much more than a medical condition – it’s a life-altering challenge. But understanding your VA Disability Rating and fully leveraging presumptive condition benefits can make this journey a bit more manageable.
ALS Association
VA.gov
* Military.com
Before we part, remember you’re not alone on this journey. Immediate assistance to understand your case better is just a call away. Contact us at 702-385-6000. If you prefer to reach out about your ALS and Real Water case, use the contact page on lasvegasalsrealwater.com. You can also deepen your understanding by exploring related content on the website’s /blog page. You are more powerful than ALS, and knowing your benefits is the first step towards reinforcing this belief. Call us now to begin your journey towards better management of Service Connected ALS!