Benefits for Veterans
(Source: Youralsguide.com)
Am I eligible for service-connected benefits?
If you have been diagnosed with ALS, served in the U.S. military for 90 or more consecutive days of active duty, and have been honorably discharged, you will likely be eligible for special service-connected benefits.
If you qualify, you can receive numerous benefits through the VA, including:
- VA ALS clinics – visits with ALS specialists at your nearest VA medical center
- Durable medical equipment – devices for your respiratory, mobility, communication, daily living, and other needs
- Disability compensation – a monthly tax-free payment that you can use as you wish
- Specially-adapted housing grant (SAH) – money to help build, buy, or remodel a home that meets your disability requirements
- Automobile grant – a one-time payment of up to $20,000 to buy a disability-accessible vehicle
- Aid and attendance allowance – additional money to help pay for care at home
The ALS Association goes into greater detail on their website.
Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic at the Atlanta VA Medical Center
Veterans who receive ALS care at the Atlanta VA Medical Center will have access to services from a multidisciplinary team during VA neurology appointments. The ALS clinic meets on the first, third, and fifth Monday of each month. Patients will continue to see Dr. Fournier, but now in addition, will also be able to see a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, social worker, and research coordinator in the same location without having to schedule additional appointments. ALS clinic visits with the full team typically take at least 90 minutes but should streamline ALS care and reduce the number of future in person visits that are needed to see different specialists.
How do I apply for benefits?
If you have been diagnosed with ALS and have 90 days of consecutive active duty, you should be eligible for service-connected benefits. But you cannot make an appointment with ALS clinics at the VA until you have been approved for service-connected benefits and enrolled in the VA system.
- To apply for your service-connected benefits, we strongly recommend reaching out to a veteran’s service organization like the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) at pva.org. Navigating the VA system on your own can be a confusing and frustrating process. PVA or DAV will become your advocate—they will explain your benefits, answer questions, give you tips, help you with paperwork, and expedite your application, which may take 90 days or so to get approved.
- While waiting for your benefits, you should get connected with either your local ALS Association and/or Muscular Dystrophy Association chapter. Make an appointment at the Emory ALS Clinic, and begin attending the clinic. Follow the team’s recommendations and do not stop attending until you fully transition to the VA.
- When the VA accepts your application and approves your service-connected benefits, you will automatically get an appointment within 30 days. You will also be assigned a social worker/case manager and primary doctor.
What if I need a power wheelchair?
Custom tilt-and-recline power wheelchairs are one of the most helpful—and expensive—pieces of medical equipment for ALS patients. If you are a service-connected veteran, the VA should cover all of the costs associated with your wheelchair, including the additional power-elevating seat feature.
If you become concerned that a walker, scooter, or standard power wheelchair will no longer meet your mobility needs, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician at the VA to discuss getting evaluated for a tilt-and-recline power wheelchair.
Your physician will likely refer you to an occupational or physical therapist for an evaluation, which will be submitted for approval. Once approved, your wheelchair should arrive within 4-12 weeks. Your physical or occupational therapist will schedule a follow-up appointment to make adjustments—with you in the chair—before training you how to use it. Procedures between VA facilities will vary.
Note: When you are approved for your power wheelchair, you will also become eligible for an automobile grant of $21,000 that you can apply toward the purchase of a handicap-accessible van.
Can I receive VA benefits and Medicare benefits?
Yes. As a veteran, you can also get Medicare benefits—as long as you are eligible. With an ALS diagnosis, you do not have to be 65 years old or retired to qualify for Medicare. If you have worked in the last ten years and have paid taxes into Medicare for a total of 40 quarters (ten years) or more, you should qualify. If you do not qualify for Medicare, the VA health care system will cover you fully.
Can I receive VA benefits and Medicaid benefits?
No. Once you begin receiving disability compensation from the VA, you cannot also receive benefits through Medicaid. Your VA health care or Medicare will become your primary insurance.
What can I do?
1. Let the Emory ALS Center know that you are a veteran. We can then assist you with the required paperwork and steps for a referral to the VA.
2. Contact the ALS Association Georgia Chapter. www.alsaga.org You can receive support from the VA and The ALS Association at the same time.
3. Contact your Paralyzed Veterans of American (PVA) Chapter. The PVA has chapters across the country. Locate
your nearest chapter to find out what services they offer. You may also want to ask your ALS Association Georgia Chapter representative if there is another organization in your area, such as The American Legion, to help with your application.
4. Get organized and plan ahead. Remember that there are waiting periods between applying for your benefits and receiving them. If you are not working, you will need to cover your finances until you begin receiving disability income. There is a 90-day waiting period between applying for your VA benefits and receiving them. We suggest organizing your paperwork, contacting The ALS Association and PVA, and applying as soon as you can.