In August of 2002 I was diagnosed with ALS. A few months later, my good friend Michael deKruif, was also diagnosed with ALS. The common denominator between us was having served in the Air Force and trained in San Antonio, TX. Nearly two years after we received our diagnoses, we began hearing talk of a link that has been found to exist between military service and the onset of ALS.
In a report titled ALS IN THE MILITARY - UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES OF MILITARY SERVICE, two studies were cited, including some of the methodology of the studies’ authors, that shows a high probability of a link that has been found to exist between military service and the onset of ALS. That link should be of particular interest to Disabled American Veterans with ALS.
The report is available on ALSA website at http://www.alsa.org/files/pdf/ALS_Military_Paper.pdf
In light of these study results, I submit that those of us who have served our nation in military service and then contracted ALS, are not only eligible for D.A.V. membership, but also have a reasonable expectation of a determination by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having a 100% service-connected disability.
Like anything else, there is strength in numbers. You will need to complete a VA Form 21-526, which you may do online or you can print it off the DVA website. You may also request a form and representation from your local DVA office, American Legion Post, or Disabled American Veterans.
Please take the time (2-3 hours) to complete and submit your application for disability compensation. I filed mine in June, 2006. Benefits, when awarded, are paid retroactive to your application date. One thing is certain; if you don't apply, there is a 100% certainty that you will receive nothing, zip, nada.
If you are a veteran with ALS, you owe it to all of us who currently have ALS and those veterans not yet diagnosed, to apply for Disability Compensation.
I will gladly assist anyone who wants help with the application process.
Wes