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Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the ALS Caucus, has partnered with Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-1) to introduce the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. This bipartisan and bicameral initiative seeks to ensure that surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS receive full benefits. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) have presented companion legislation in the Senate.

"Our veterans fought for us, and when they face ALS—a devastating, fast-moving disease—we must fight for them and their families. Denying a surviving spouse benefits because their loved one didn’t live long enough to meet an arbitrary requirement is not just unfair—it is a betrayal of our commitment to those who served. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will right this wrong and ensure that the families of our brave service members receive the support they have earned and deserve,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

ALS is a severe disease affecting movement, speech, and life expectancy. Veterans are diagnosed with ALS at twice the rate of the general population but often do not survive long enough to meet an eight-year disability threshold required for full VA benefits. The proposed act aims to remove this restriction, guaranteeing financial support for surviving spouses regardless of how long their loved ones battled ALS.

“ALS is a horrible disease that indiscriminately wreaks havoc on families across the country – mine included,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan group of senators who are partnering with healthcare and advocacy groups to support those affected and their families."

Senator Coons added: “Every year, ALS robs thousands more Americans of their ability to speak, move and eventually to live... I’m working with Senator Murkowski to right this wrong and take better care of military families impacted by ALS.”

The bill has received endorsements from several advocacy organizations. Heather Ansley from Paralyzed Veterans of America stated that denying benefits due to the aggressive nature of ALS does a disservice to survivors. Calaneet Balas from The ALS Association emphasized that veterans with ALS experience rapid life changes alongside financial stress.

Andrea Goodman from I AM ALS highlighted the importance of ensuring veterans' survivors receive deserved benefits: "Veterans with ALS are a vital part of our community of advocates."

Since joining Congress, Rep. Fitzpatrick has been active in combating ALS through his work in the bipartisan ALS Caucus since 2017. His efforts include securing federal funding for research at NIH and DOD, expanding treatment access under ACT for ALS Implementation, and engaging with patients and caregivers.

Background information notes that Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) leads to paralysis without cure or effective treatment available currently. Under current laws, only spouses whose partners had fully debilitating service-connected disabilities for eight years before death receive additional stipends from VA; however most veterans do not live past two-to-five years after diagnosis—leaving families without needed benefits.

The Justice for ALS Veterans Act seeks equitable treatment by eliminating these restrictions so all veteran families affected by such loss can access essential financial aid irrespective duration illness endured before passing away.