For unknown reasons, veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces are twice as likely to develop ALS as people who did not serve in the military. We’re dedicated to providing resources that will improve the lives of military veterans living with ALS in Texas and funding research that will help us understand the link between military service and ALS.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized ALS as a service-connected disease, which means that the V.A. provides financial and medical support to veterans with at least 90 continuous days of active duty. If you qualify for these benefits, they can provide significant assistance in obtaining medical care, assistive devices, and financial support.
The ALS Association of Texas is an excellent resource that can make applying for military benefits easier. We’ve worked closely with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) who’ve walked hundreds of veterans through the process and can help you ensure that you have all the paperwork and information necessary to receive benefits as quickly as possible. Local VSOs like Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Paralyzed Veterans of America or the American Legion, can help you navigate this process. If you need help finding a VSO in your area, please contact us.
We host a virtual Veterans’ support group to allow veterans with ALS across Texas to connect with one another and support each other through their ALS journey. This group meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at Noon, and you can find the latest meeting time and register here.
We also encourage veterans to get involved in advocacy efforts that are searching for treatment and a cure for ALS, along with improving the lives of all patients living with this disease, such as the National ALS Registry.