February 27, 2025
Mr. Fitzpatrick (for himself and Mr. Pappas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend increased dependency and indemnity compensation paid to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, regardless of how long the veterans had such disease prior to death.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Extension of increased dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(a) Extension
Section 1311(a)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by inserting (A)
before The rate
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(B)
A veteran who died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis shall be treated as a veteran described in subparagraph (A) without regard for how long the veteran had such disease prior to death.
(C)
For purposes of the payment of compensation under this subsection by reason of the death of veteran described in subparagraph (B), the term surviving spouse means a person who was married to the veteran for a continuous period of eight years or longer prior to the death of the veteran.
(b) Applicability
Subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 1311(a)(2) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply to a veteran who dies from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis on or after October 1, 2025.
Sec. 3. Report on additional medical conditions
(a) Report required
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report that includes an identification of any service-connected disability, other than amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, that the Secretary determines should be treated in the same manner as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is treated under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 1311(a)(2) of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 2.
(b) Contents
The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
A comprehensive list of service-connected disabilities with high mortality rates.
(2)
Detailed information on the average life expectancy for persons with each such disability.