I have had a few respondents from WW II, Korea and Vietnam eras ask if it's worth applying for benefits, since ALS isn't considered a service-connected disability by the DVA.
The answer to the question is “yes.” Like most things connected with the military, there’s no guarantee of a favorable determination, especially on your application’s first review.
My application of June 7th is still working its way through the bureaucracy. My information is that it can take up to six months for a determination. The good news is that when benefits are awarded, they are paid retroactive to the application date.
A good friend of mine, who is also a veteran with ALS, wrote a letter to our Congressman Joe Knollenberg to ask for assistance with his application. The congressman’s reply letter quoted the DVA's own reg from which he he referenced their claim of “minimum 30% disability” for veterans with ALS.
It is imperative that every veteran with ALS file a VA Form 21-526 for compensation. That's the only way we will win this battle.
I can tell of one guarantee. I will personally guarantee that if you don’t apply, you will receive nothing! Good luck, and keep the cards and letters coming.