1
1
1
Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025
4/30/2026, 11:03 AM
Summary of Bill S 749
Bill 119 s 749, also known as the "Veterans Survivors Benefit Improvement 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 benefits are only provided to surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS if the veteran had the disease for a certain period of time before their death. This bill seeks to remove that requirement, ensuring that all surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS are eligible for DIC benefits.
In addition to extending DIC benefits for ALS, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to veterans' benefits. This legislation is crucial in providing support and financial assistance to the families of veterans who have been affected by ALS, a debilitating and often fatal disease. Overall, Bill 119 s 749 aims to improve and expand benefits for surviving spouses of veterans who have passed away from ALS, ensuring that they receive the support they need during difficult times.
Currently, DIC benefits are only provided to surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS if the veteran had the disease for a certain period of time before their death. This bill seeks to remove that requirement, ensuring that all surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS are eligible for DIC benefits.
In addition to extending DIC benefits for ALS, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to veterans' benefits. This legislation is crucial in providing support and financial assistance to the families of veterans who have been affected by ALS, a debilitating and often fatal disease. Overall, Bill 119 s 749 aims to improve and expand benefits for surviving spouses of veterans who have passed away from ALS, ensuring that they receive the support they need during difficult times.
Congressional Summary of S 749
Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025
This bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse of a veteran whom the Department of Veterans Affairs has determined died 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.
Under the bill, such extension of increased compensation applies retroactively to veterans who died from ALS on or after October 1, 2022.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 749
Bill S 749 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 26, 2025. Bill S 749 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 26, 2025. Bill S 749's most recent activity was Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. as of April 29, 2026
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 749
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
17Democrat Cosponsors
12Republican Cosponsors
5Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 749
Primary Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National SecurityPotential Impact Areas
- Marriage and family status
- Neurological disorders
- Veterans' pensions and compensation
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 749
A bill 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, and for other purposes.
A bill 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, and for other purposes.
Comments
Jayleen Wong
909
1 year ago
I believe this bill is a step in the right direction for supporting the families of veterans who have passed away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is important to provide increased dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses, regardless of how long the veterans had the disease prior to death. This bill will benefit those who have sacrificed so much for our country and deserve our support.
Sponsors and Cosponsors of S 749
Latest Bills
Deport the Terrorists Act of 2026
Bill HR 9096June 6, 2026
PANA Act of 2026
Bill HR 9039June 6, 2026
To prohibit the use of Federal funds to install permanent fencing around the United States Supreme Court Building or grounds.
Bill HR 9038June 6, 2026
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make it a felony offense for any person who is seeking to be a candidate in an election for Federal office or an employee or agent of such a person to knowingly fraudulently sign any materials or documentation required to be filed as a condition of ballot access for such election, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 8977June 6, 2026
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide enhanced student loan relief to educators, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 8896June 6, 2026
To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to improve and expand electronic filing capabilities for Federal Aviation Administration Form 337, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 9037June 6, 2026
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to promote comprehensive campus mental health and suicide prevention plans, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 8978June 6, 2026
To direct the Secretary of State to advocate for the inclusion and recognition of the Central Tibetan Administration, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 8982June 6, 2026
To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to require employers to compensate employees working on a legal public holiday for such work at a rate that is not less than one and one-half times the regular rate at which the employee is employed, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 8980June 6, 2026
National Police Athletic/Activities League Youth Enrichment Reauthorization Act
Bill HR 9059June 6, 2026
Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025
Bill HR 1685February 6, 2026