My dad was drafted, went to Vietnam, and many years later developed ALS - somewhat recently added to the “Always covered for vets” list, as being a veteran in any war doubles the risk of ALS.
The battle to prove it was ALS though was insane, had to be done outside of the VA with specialists (it is still rare, of course, so not many out there can actually give a diagnosis), and took about a year from blatant symptoms to diagnosis, and then another few months of VA paperwork to get coverage and other things he was owed.
Not a new problem unfortunately, and certainly not unique to this situation. Just another kind of symptom of another kind of problem.
He died 4 years back, so no. ALS is usually about 2 years from diagnosis, and he made it a bit past that, but not much.
Once the ridiculous amounts of nonsense paperwork was run through (during which time my dad lost the use of his arm, speech was one of the first things to go), he got plenty of support. But getting there is the nightmare in my opinion. They started out trying to give him like 15% disability - which is insane, ALS is terminal and is always a 100%.
But thanks for the link! It looks like there’s some stuff there that applies to my family in terms of benefits, so going to do some digging.
Thankfully a retired LTC got involved (back when we were first going through all the fun) who did an amazing job helping us navigate the mess that is the VA. Still kept in touch too.
But will definitely message if I run into any roadblocks, appreciate it!
A pretty typical VA issue.
My dad was drafted, went to Vietnam, and many years later developed ALS - somewhat recently added to the “Always covered for vets” list, as being a veteran in any war doubles the risk of ALS.
The battle to prove it was ALS though was insane, had to be done outside of the VA with specialists (it is still rare, of course, so not many out there can actually give a diagnosis), and took about a year from blatant symptoms to diagnosis, and then another few months of VA paperwork to get coverage and other things he was owed.
Not a new problem unfortunately, and certainly not unique to this situation. Just another kind of symptom of another kind of problem.
Did you dad file under the PACT Act? I finally got my uncle to file after getting hosed by the VA back in the 80’s.
It made him feel so good to be partially acknowledged.
He died 4 years back, so no. ALS is usually about 2 years from diagnosis, and he made it a bit past that, but not much.
Once the ridiculous amounts of nonsense paperwork was run through (during which time my dad lost the use of his arm, speech was one of the first things to go), he got plenty of support. But getting there is the nightmare in my opinion. They started out trying to give him like 15% disability - which is insane, ALS is terminal and is always a 100%.
But thanks for the link! It looks like there’s some stuff there that applies to my family in terms of benefits, so going to do some digging.
Have ever single one of them apply. DM me if you want my TLDR on filing. I am certainly no Jedi, but can help get the ball rolling.
Thankfully a retired LTC got involved (back when we were first going through all the fun) who did an amazing job helping us navigate the mess that is the VA. Still kept in touch too.
But will definitely message if I run into any roadblocks, appreciate it!