United StatesExtends higher DIC benefits to surviving spouses of veterans with ALS
Surviving spouses could receive higher monthly benefits when a veteran's death is linked to ALS regardless of disease duration before death.
What it does
Adds a new subparagraph to 38 U.S.C. §1311(a)(2) treating veterans who died from ALS as qualifying for the increased dependency and indemnity compensation rate without regard to how long they had ALS prior to death.
Specifies the change applies to any veteran who dies from ALS on or after October 1, 2022, making the rule retroactive to that date.
Amends the statutory text of section 1311(a)(2) to insert the new subparagraph (B) alongside existing language about rates.
Argument forTreating ALS deaths as qualifying regardless of disease duration is fair because ALS can progress rapidly, and duration-based limits can deny survivors benefits despite clear causation.
Argument againstExpanding eligibility without specifying funding could increase federal costs for VA survivor benefits and require additional appropriations or reallocation.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 29Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.Latest
- 2025
- Feb 26Introduced in Senate
- Feb 26Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.Introduced
VeteransHealthcareConsumer Protection