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Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2023
10/4/2024, 8:07 PM
Summary of Bill HR 3790
The main provisions of the bill include:
1. Ensuring that veterans who have been diagnosed with ALS are eligible for disability benefits and healthcare services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This includes coverage for medical treatments, equipment, and support services related to the management of ALS. 2. Establishing a task force within the VA to study the prevalence of ALS among veterans and to develop strategies for improving the diagnosis and treatment of the disease within the veteran population. 3. Providing funding for research into the causes and potential treatments for ALS, with a focus on how military service may contribute to the development of the disease. Overall, the Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2023 seeks to address the unique needs of veterans who are living with ALS and to ensure that they receive the support and care they deserve. The bill has garnered bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a crucial step towards improving the lives of veterans affected by this devastating disease.
Congressional Summary of HR 3790
Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2023
This bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse of a veteran who dies from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) regardless of how long the veteran had such disease prior to death. Under current law, such compensation is paid for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death.
For purposes of compensation for a surviving spouse of a veteran who dies from ALS, the spouse must have been married to the veteran for a continuous period of eight years or longer prior to the death of the veteran.
Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must report on service-connected disabilities the VA determines should be treated in the same manner as ALS for purposes of dependency and indemnity compensation.





