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HR 1685

Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Becca Balint and 23 co-sponsors

The Justice for ALS Veterans Act ensures surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS receive increased compensation, regardless of illness duration, starting October 2025.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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Bill Summary · HR 1685

Summary of HR 1685: Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025 aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to provide increased dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to the surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The bill seeks to ensure that the duration of the veteran's illness does not affect the compensation eligibility for their surviving spouse.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Extension of Compensation:

    • The bill amends Section 1311(a)(2) of Title 38 to include a new subparagraph (B), which states that veterans who die from ALS will be treated similarly to those who die from other service-connected disabilities, regardless of how long they had the disease before passing.
    • Subparagraph (C) defines "surviving spouse" as a person married to the veteran for a continuous period of eight years or longer prior to the veteran's death.

  2. Applicability:

    • The new provisions will apply to veterans who die from ALS on or after October 1, 2025.

  3. Report on Additional Medical Conditions:

    • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to submit a report to Congress within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This report will identify other service-connected disabilities that should be treated similarly to ALS regarding compensation.
    • The report must include:
      • A comprehensive list of service-connected disabilities with high mortality rates.
      • Detailed information on the average life expectancy for individuals with each identified disability.

Affected Parties

  • Surviving Spouses: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation will be the surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS, ensuring they receive appropriate financial support.
  • Veterans: The bill acknowledges the sacrifices made by veterans suffering from ALS and aims to provide them with equitable treatment in terms of compensation for their families.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs: February 27, 2025
  • Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs: March 27, 2025

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by Brian K. Fitzpatrick and has several cosponsors, including:
- Joe Neguse
- Chris Pappas
- Susie Lee
- Brittany Pettersen
- Becca Balint
- Zoe Lofgren
- Jefferson Van Drew
- Nikki Budzinski
- Michael Baumgartner

Related Bills

  • HR 3001 (companion bill)
  • S 749 (companion bill)

This summary provides an overview of HR 1685, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on veterans and their families. The bill reflects a commitment to supporting those affected by ALS and ensuring that their surviving spouses receive the necessary compensation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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