Unraveling the ALS Mystery: New Bill Targets Veteran Health Disparities

ARLINGTON, VA – November 12, 2025

A critical bipartisan legislative effort is underway to address a profound health disparity affecting those who have served the nation. The "Veterans with ALS Reporting Act," introduced by U.S. Representative Jason Crow (D-CO), seeks to shed light on why military veterans are disproportionately diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease. This bill, championed by The ALS Association and a coalition of veterans' advocates, represents a significant step towards understanding, preventing, and ultimately improving care for veterans living with ALS.

The Silent Toll: Veterans and the ALS Enigma

The statistics paint a stark picture: military veterans are estimated to be 1.5 to 2 times more likely to develop ALS than their civilian counterparts. While the U.S. general population's ALS incidence rate hovers around 1.44 per 100,000, the elevated risk for veterans has long been a source of concern and a pressing medical mystery. This disparity suggests a complex interplay between genetic predispositions and specific environmental or physiological exposures encountered during military service.

Research points to several potential contributing factors unique to military life. Exposures to pesticides and herbicides, including the notorious Agent Orange, have been consistently implicated. Studies suggest that chemicals like dioxin, a component of Agent Orange, could damage neurons, potentially leading to ALS symptoms or accelerating disease progression. Beyond chemical agents, air pollutants from burn pits, heavy metals like lead, and various industrial chemicals prevalent in military settings are also under scrutiny.

Moreover, the physical and psychological demands of service introduce other potential risk factors. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), common in battlefield incidents or rigorous training, are considered significant in ALS development. Intense physical exertion, repetitive motions, and the profound psychological stress, including PTSD, associated with military service, may also play a role, possibly by inducing long-term neuromuscular strain or triggering chronic inflammatory responses. These unique service-related conditions might also explain the observed lower age of ALS onset in veterans compared to civilians.

"Our veterans answered the call, and it's our duty to answer theirs," stated Congressman Jason Crow, emphasizing the moral imperative behind the legislation. "For years, veterans have faced an elevated risk of developing ALS – and now we must work to understand why."

A Legislative Push for Answers and Action

The "Veterans with ALS Reporting Act" is designed to address these critical unknowns head-on. The bipartisan bill outlines several key objectives aimed at transforming the trajectory of ALS for those who have served:
* Provide critical data: The legislation mandates the collection of comprehensive data on the impact of ALS within military and veteran populations, offering crucial insights into incidence rates, demographics, and potential correlations.
* Identify risk-reduction strategies: By analyzing collected data, the bill aims to pinpoint specific risk factors and develop actionable strategies to protect future generations of service members from developing the disease.
* Improve access to clinical trials and care: The act seeks to enhance veterans' access to cutting-edge clinical trials and ensure they receive the highest standard of care available for ALS.
* Deliver a clear plan of action: Ultimately, the legislation aims to establish a concrete framework to reduce the incidence of ALS among those who have served.

The ALS Association has been a key partner in shaping this legislation, working alongside Congressman Crow and leading veterans' service organizations. Melanie Lendnal, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for The ALS Association, underscored the bill's significance. "The Veterans with ALS Reporting Act is more than a bill — it's a lifeline of hope for the heroes who once fought for us and now face a fight against ALS," she remarked.

This effort builds on a history of congressional attention to ALS. The bipartisan ALS Congressional Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Crow, Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), and Ken Calvert (R-CA), was formed to find policy solutions and bring resources to the fight. Past legislative attempts, such as the "Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2022," which sought to expand benefits for surviving spouses, reflect a sustained commitment to supporting the ALS community. The current bill represents a focused, data-driven approach to understanding the underlying causes.

Building on Existing Support, Forging New Pathways

Even before this new legislation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made significant strides in supporting veterans with ALS. Since 2008, the VA has recognized ALS as a presumptively service-connected disease. This means that any veteran with at least 90 continuous days of active duty who is diagnosed with ALS automatically qualifies for benefits, without needing to prove a direct link between their service and the condition.

This presumption grants veterans with ALS a 100% disability rating, ensuring the highest level of disability compensation. The VA also provides specialized ALS care teams and coordinators at every medical center, acting as navigators and advocates for veterans and their families. Access to specialized ALS clinics, including Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence, and comprehensive benefits ranging from monthly tax-free disability compensation to assistive technology, home modification grants, and caregiver support are all part of the existing framework.

However, the "Veterans with ALS Reporting Act" aims to move beyond reactive care to proactive understanding and prevention. By systematically gathering data and identifying risk factors, the legislation promises to not only improve individual care but also to safeguard the health of future service members.

Jessy Ybarra, a veteran living with ALS and a member of The ALS Association's Board of Trustees, articulated the personal hope this bill brings. "I live with ALS every day, and I've seen too many fellow veterans face this same disease without answers. This bill gives me hope… not just for me, but for the next generation." The act is a promise that the nation will stand with its servicemembers, seeking answers and striving to end ALS once and for all.