Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025
Starting October 2025, surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS will qualify for increased monthly survivor compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs, regardless of how long the veteran lived with the illness. Normally, a veteran must have had a qualifying total disability for at least eight years before death for a spouse to receive this higher payment rate. To receive the additional compensation, the spouse must have been married to the veteran for at least eight continuous years prior to their death. The legislation also requires the VA to identify other fatal, service-connected conditions that should qualify for similar exceptions.
What this bill touches.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALSMakes surviving spouses who were married for at least eight continuous years to veterans dying from ALS eligible for increased monthly dependency and indemnity compensation, regardless of how long the veteran had the condition prior to death (effective for deaths on or after October 1, 2025).
Who it burdens
- Department of Veterans AffairsRequires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to identify service-connected disabilities with high mortality rates and low life expectancies and submit a detailed report to Congress within 180 days.
The provisions, in plain language.
Makes surviving spouses who were married for at least eight continuous years to veterans who die from ALS eligible for increased monthly dependency and indemnity compensation, regardless of how long the veteran had ALS before death, starting October 1, 2025.
Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report to Congress within 180 days on other high-mortality, service-connected disabilities with low life expectancies that should qualify for the same compensation exception.