Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation aims to provide enhanced financial support to surviving spouses of veterans. It amends title 38, United States Code, to extend increased Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to those whose veteran spouse died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) . A key provision ensures that this increased compensation will be granted regardless of the duration the veteran had ALS prior to death, removing a previous time-based restriction. For eligibility under this specific provision, a surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran for a continuous period of eight years or longer before their death. These changes will apply to veterans who die from ALS on or after October 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report within 180 days of enactment. This report must identify other service-connected disabilities with high mortality rates that should be treated similarly to ALS for DIC purposes, including detailed information on life expectancy for each identified condition.
Marriage and family statusNeurological disordersVeterans' pensions and compensation
Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-1685| House
| Updated: 2/3/2026
This legislation aims to provide enhanced financial support to surviving spouses of veterans. It amends title 38, United States Code, to extend increased Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to those whose veteran spouse died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) . A key provision ensures that this increased compensation will be granted regardless of the duration the veteran had ALS prior to death, removing a previous time-based restriction. For eligibility under this specific provision, a surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran for a continuous period of eight years or longer before their death. These changes will apply to veterans who die from ALS on or after October 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report within 180 days of enactment. This report must identify other service-connected disabilities with high mortality rates that should be treated similarly to ALS for DIC purposes, including detailed information on life expectancy for each identified condition.