Back in 2008, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was classified as a presumptive for service-related disability, and benefits were given. The level of disability was classified at 30 percent, with frequent rechecks as time went on and the disease progressed. It was that ever-changing rating that held up a lot of benefits and needed equipment.

An item in the Federal Register for Dec. 20 says that the disability evaluation criterion has been revised. Veterans who have ALS now will be considered 100 percent disabled and much of the paper chase will be dispensed with.

The jump from 30 percent to 100 percent could mean a significant increase in benefits money. At 30 percent disability, a single veteran would be eligible for $389 a month. At the 100 percent level, that amount goes up to $2,769. The amount increases if there is a spouse or children.

Additionally, there might be Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) monies due to the level of disability.

ALS is found in those veterans who served in Gulf I back in 1991 at a rate twice that of those who served elsewhere. Initial research was published in the Journal of Neurology in 2003. A second study determined that the rate also was twice that of the general population. Hardest hit were those in the Army and Air Force. Initial research was even able to narrow down a time frame for exposure: Between August 1990 and July 1991. An environmental trigger was suspected.

Studies done later, in 2005 and 2009 at Harvard, found that veterans in any branch with any military service anywhere were 60 percent more likely than the general population to be diagnosed with ALS. After fine-tuning the data, service in war was suspected as a component. But a 2006 review concluded that any military service is related to increased risk for ALS.

Write to Freddy Groves in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.

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