The Justice for ALS Veterans Act would provide the survivors of veterans who die of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) the DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) “kicker” amount without meeting the required eight-year total disability rating time period.
Current law allows an additional DIC monthly payment of $331.84 to survivors in the case of a veteran, who at the time of death was in receipt of or was entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death. This extra compensation installment is commonly referred to as the DIC “kicker.”
ALS is an aggressive disease that leaves many veterans totally incapacitated and reliant on family members and caregivers. VA already recognizes ALS as a presumptive service-connected disease and, due to its progressive nature, automatically rates any diagnosed veteran at 100% once service-connected. Individuals diagnosed with ALS only have an average lifespan of between two to five years meaning that, sadly, many veterans are unable to meet the existing eight-year total disability requirement to become eligible for the additional “kicker” compensation benefit.
In accordance with DAV Resolution No. 162, DAV strongly supports S. 1590 and H.R. 3790—the Justice for ALS Veterans Act, which would provide increased DIC payments to surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS regardless of how long they had been rated as totally disabled prior to death.
Please use the prepared email to contact your Senators and Representative to co-sponsor the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. Thank you for supporting service-disabled veterans, their families and survivors through the DAV Commander’s Action Network.