Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease:
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS leads to the degeneration of motor neurons, which control voluntary muscle movements. As the disease progresses, individuals with ALS may experience muscle weakness, twitching, and eventually, paralysis. The exact cause of ALS is often unknown, and there is currently no cure.
Early symptoms of ALS can include muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination, twitching, and stiffness. As the disease advances, individuals may experience difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing. ALS typically progresses rapidly, and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Most individuals with ALS succumb to respiratory failure within a few years of the onset of symptoms. Diagnosis of ALS involves clinical evaluations, neurological examinations, and various tests to rule out other possible conditions. There is no specific test for ALS, and the diagnosis can be challenging. While there is no cure for ALS, there are treatments and therapies to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide support for individuals and their caregivers. ALS significantly impacts daily life, as individuals lose the ability to perform routine activities and may require assistance with various aspects of care.
Veterans seeking service connection for ALS must establish a link between the condition and their military service. While the exact cause of ALS is not fully understood, some veterans have been diagnosed with service-connected ALS. Veterans with service-connected ALS are eligible for special consideration in the disability claims process. The VA presumes that ALS diagnosed in eligible veterans is related to military service, allowing for faster processing of disability claims. The VA maintains an ALS Registry to track and study the occurrence of ALS among veterans. This registry helps gather information about the disease and supports research efforts.