Veterans Disability Lawyer
Veterans may be at a higher risk of developing ALS, also known as Lou Gherig’s disease.
Several studies have found a possible link between the
disease and military service. Because of
these findings, in 2008 the Department of Veteran Affairs began setting aside
benefits specifically for veterans who developed the disease.
The results of these studies were mixed. Several suggested an increased incidence of
the disease in veterans who served as far back as 1910. Another study concluded that veterans are 50%
more likely to develop ALS than the general population.
The benefits provided to these veterans vary based on
service time and other factors, but ALS is now presumed to be a disease
compensable by VA. Veterans diagnosed
with ALS are eligible for disability pay as well as money to modify their
homes, vehicles to transport them, insurance for dependents, and survivors’
benefits.
However, none of the above studies have been able to find a
common element among veterans with ALS.
One study found increased levels of lead in the blood, but it is unclear
if that was significant. Another found
that ALS might be linked to head trauma, pesticides, or burning oil fields –
but the findings weren’t conclusive.
For now, all that is certain is the link between ALS and
military service is complicated, and there are probably a lot of factors at play.
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