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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) issued new regulations establishing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as ‘Lou Gehrig's Disease,’ as a service connected disability. The VA’s actions come after years of work by Charleston resident General Thomas Mikolajcik, Congressman Henry E. Brown Jr. (R-SC) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who advocated this important change to the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs, James Peake, and veterans’ committees in Congress. In praising today’s announcement, Congressman Brown said:
“Today’s policy change by the VA goes into effect immediately, making it the final step in ensuring that veterans with ALS receive the benefits they deserve. A growing number of veterans, especially those who served during the first Gulf War, have been diagnosed with ALS, and there is a clear connection between ALS and military service.”
Secretary Peake originally informed lawmakers of his decision on July 14, 2008, with hopes that the change would go into effect August 1, 2008. However, the rule has just recently been established, and applies to all applications filed as of today, September 23, 2008.
“I applaud Secretary Peake’s decision to make ALS a service connected disability,” said Graham. “This devastating disease occurs in the military at more than twice the rate of the general population. The Secretary’s decision to find a service connection is justified and the right thing to do. This decision will provide much comfort to the military members suffering from this debilitating disease. I want to thank Henry Brown for his leadership on this issue, and General Mikolajcik for his service to our country and heroic stand on behalf of his fellow veterans.”
To learn more about Congressman Brown’s work for veterans with ALS visit his webpage at http://brown.house.gov/Issues/veterans.html and to read the original press release on Peake’s decision go to http://brown.house.gov/list/press/sc01_brown/07142008ALSDecision.shtml.
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