DEAR ABBY: In May 2001, you printed my letter alerting former prisoners of war and their widows to the special veterans' benefits available to them from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The response was great; many former POWs and their dependents now have their VA benefits because of that column.
Now, as chairman of VA outreach for American Ex- Prisoners of War, I write to alert all veterans (not just former POWs) of a recent VA ruling.
On Sept. 23, 2008, Lou Gehrig's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, was made a presumptive condition for all veterans who served in our armed forces for at least 90 days.
This means that the widows of those vets who died of Lou Gehrig's disease in the past are eligible for the VA widows' monthly benefit, which is very substantial. Many people are not aware that a veteran's death due to this disease is now considered service-connected. One claim I handled recently involved an ALS death 46 years ago, in 1963.
Thank you for your help in getting the word out, Abby.
- Fred Campbell,
American Ex-Prisoners of War
DEAR FRED: I'm pleased to help you and America's veterans once again. Readers, Fred welcomes inquiries at 3312 Chatterton Drive, San Angelo, TX 76904. He can also be e-mailed atfredrev@webtv.net.
My husband died of ALS in Nov. 1998. He was in
ReplyDeletethe Army from 1965 to 1967. I answered a survey after his death regarding ALS on his behalf. This is the first I've heard of it being service connected. From diagnosis to death was 5 months.
Dear Shari Rader,
ReplyDeleteMy husband died of ALS in August of 2006. He was in the Army from 1965 to 1967 also. He was stationed at Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is the first I've heard of it being service connected. From diagnosis to death was one and a half years. Post a Comment
LeaCrystal6@aol.com
My Husband suffered for 2 years from time of diagnosis, He was a top runner from high school and college and then served 24 years, 71-95 as a firefighter in the USAF serving all over the world. A strong man pulled down from ALS. I am still raising a 16 year old and now loosing my home and pray for this to be of some help.I will continue to pray for all who are afflicted with ALS and those loved one standing beside. Thank you all for forwarding this info. letgoandletgod55@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteSomeone gave my neighbor this newspaper article, within about 6 months, after filling out the paperwork she is getting $1000+ a month, plus back compensation, and possibly $ for burriel expenses, and other perks such as loans or grants to go to college if she needs it. I'm just writing this to say, yes this is true, pursue it , don't give up, I've paid enough damn $ intt taxes, and if anyone deserves help, its a spouse who has given their time to take care of someone who has died of ALS. Spread the word please! There is no cure for als, but it sure does make you smile when the Gov does do something right for once!
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