Oak Park Community Council

VETERANS CORNER:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It was historically referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The development of ALS at any time after discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service is sufficient to establish service connection for that disease. (38 CFR 3.318) Veterans who have a diagnosis of ALS are considered service connected regardless of the number of years following discharge they were diagnosed. There are some exceptions. Contact a veteran’s organization or the ALS Association for assistance in navigating the Veterans Administration.