Pappas, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Deliver Justice for ALS Veterans
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) introduced the Justice for ALS Veterans Act, crucial bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would ensure that the surviving spouses of veterans who succumb to ALS receive the full benefits they have rightfully earned. The Senate companion legislation is led by Senators Lisa Murkowski (AK) and Chris Coons (DE).
“Veterans with ALS and their families deserve the same full benefits as all others who serve our country in uniform. Updating current VA policy to better reflect the needs of veterans with ALS and their families, which is a fast-moving disease, is simple, commonsense, and the right thing to do,” said Congressman Pappas. “This bipartisan legislation will deliver justice to veterans with ALS and their family members as we continue to always honor their service and sacrifice.”
"Our veterans fought for us, and when they face ALS—a devastating, fast-moving disease—we must fight for them and their families. Denying a surviving spouse benefits because their loved one didn’t live long enough to meet an arbitrary requirement is not just unfair—it is a betrayal of our commitment to those who served. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will right this wrong and ensure that the families of our brave service members receive the support they have earned and deserve,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.
ALS is an aggressive and fatal disease that robs its victims of their ability to move, speak, and ultimately live. Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS as the general population, yet many do not survive long enough to meet the eight-year disability threshold required for their spouses to receive full VA benefits. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will eliminate this restriction and guarantee surviving spouses and families receive the full financial support they deserve, regardless of the duration of their loved one’s battle with ALS.
The bill has earned strong endorsements from key advocacy organizations:
“PVA thanks Senators Murkowski and Coons, Representatives Fitzpatrick and Pappas, and other members of Congress who have prioritized the reintroduction of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. Denying benefits for surviving spouses of ALS veterans due to the aggressive nature of this service-connected disability does a disservice to them. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will ensure these survivors receive the additional financial support that is afforded to other veterans' survivors,” said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America.
“Studies show our nation’s veterans have a higher likelihood of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) compared to non-veterans. Veterans with ALS and their families experience rapid life changes in addition to significant financial stress," said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of The ALS Association. “We express our gratitude to veterans and their families, as well as to the U.S. Senators who are championing the passage of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. This legislation aims to guarantee that the families of veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve, without being penalized due to the rapid progression of ALS.”
"Veterans with ALS are a vital part of our community of advocates, and we are dedicated to ensuring those who bravely served our country receive the benefits they need. This legislation is critical to our effort to ensure survivors of veterans with ALS receive the benefits they deserve,” said Andrea Goodman, CEO of I AM ALS.
Background:
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes loss of muscle control, leading to total paralysis and death. There is no cure, no known cause, and no effective treatment. Alarmingly veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS compared to the general population.
Under current law, surviving spouses and families of veterans who had a service-connected disability deemed “fully debilitating” for at least eight continuous years before death receive an additional monthly stipend from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However with an average life expectancy of only two to five years after diagnosis, ALS veterans often do not survive long enough to meet this requirement—leaving their families without this crucial benefit.
The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will eliminate this unfair restriction and ensure that all families of veterans who pass away from ALS receive this financial support, regardless of the duration of their illness.