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Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025

2/3/2026, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1685

Bill 119 hr 1685, also known as the "ALS Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Act," aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code to extend increased dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to surviving spouses of veterans who pass away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), regardless of how long the veterans had the disease prior to their death.

Currently, DIC is provided to surviving spouses of veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability. However, under the current law, the increased DIC for ALS is only available to surviving spouses if the veteran had the disease for a certain period of time before their death. This bill seeks to remove that requirement and ensure that all surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS are eligible for the increased DIC benefits.

The purpose of this bill is to provide support and financial assistance to the surviving spouses of veterans who have been affected by ALS, a debilitating and progressive neurological disease. By extending the DIC benefits to all surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS, regardless of the duration of the disease prior to death, this bill aims to ensure that these families receive the support they need during a difficult time. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1685 seeks to address a gap in the current law and provide much-needed assistance to the families of veterans who have been impacted by ALS.

Congressional Summary of HR 1685

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025

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.

Current Status of Bill HR 1685

Bill HR 1685 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 27, 2025. Bill HR 1685 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 27, 2025.  Bill HR 1685's most recent activity was Subcommittee Hearings Held as of February 3, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1685

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
27
Democrat Cosponsors
22
Republican Cosponsors
5
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1685

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1685

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend increased dependency and indemnity compensation paid to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, regardless of how long the veterans had such disease prior to death.
To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend increased dependency and indemnity compensation paid to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, regardless of how long the veterans had such disease prior to death.

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