ALS Diagnosis = 100% Disability Rating According to New VA Rules

There's good news for veterans with ALS, often called Lou Gehrig's disease. Beginning tomorrow (January 19, 2012), veterans will be immediately granted a 100% disability rating upon diagnoses with this progressive, fatal disease. (More here.)

Many veterans with ALS have died waiting for their benefits. Last June, Barry Mangan of Tacoma recieved his check for home modifications (in the amount of $63,780). Months and months of delays had forced him to move into a nursing home. His wife was overjoyed to recieve the check and started making arrangements. Just thirty minutes after the check arrived, the nursing home called to inform Mrs. Mangan that her husband had passed away, alone, in a nursing home. He would never be coming home. (For more information, visit the original article here.

This is a story that happens all to often for veterans with ALS. Thankfully, tomorrow's rule changes will help prevent these tragedies in the future.

DoD Reconsidering Determinations for Some Veterans

Good morning!

Certain eligible veterans who received medical discharges and were rated by the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) or Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) may be able to apply for a re-evaluation. The Department of Defense’s Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) is re-opening some cases for certain veterans who were medically separated between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2009 to verify that a correct decision was made.

To be eligible, veterans must have received a combined disability rating of 20 percent or less and have been found ineligible for retirement. Former reserve members with more than 20 years of total federal military service but fewer than 20 years of active duty can also apply if they meet the other eligibility requirements.

Questions can be directed to PDBRPA@afncr.af.mil or visit this link to learn more.  

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