IMPORTANT TIMELINE FOR SURVIVORS OF MILITARY VETERANS WITH ALS:
(Click here for a printable version) 

On behalf of Madelon Thomson and The ALS Association, please read the following to see if you should apply for retroactive benefits as a survivor of a military veteran with ALS.

Survivors who file their claim with the VA on or before September 23rd 2009 will have their benefits backdated to September 23rd 2008!

Survivors who file after September 23rd 2009 will only have their benefits backdated to the day they file.

So even if you do not have all of your supporting documentation you can still file your VA 21-534 and get into the system before September 23rd 2009. Even if the application is incomplete, it's mandatory to begin the process by the deadline of September 23rd, 2009 for the retroactive benefit.

The VA webpage text describing how to file a claim:

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension. You can also apply online through our web site at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.

If you have any of the following material, please attach it to your application:

• Discharge or separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
• Dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates)
• Medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports)
  

The Veterans Affairs Administration Home Page: http://www.va.gov/

The main VA Compensation and Pension webpage: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/index.htm

The VA Disability Compensation webpage: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/index.htm

The VA Survivor Benefits webpage: http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/vabenefits.htm

The VA Benefits for Surviving Spouses webpage: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/spouse.htm

The VA Benefits for Surviving Dependant Children webpage: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/spouse.htm

The VA Benefits for Surviving Dependant Parents webpage: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/parent.htm

Survivors of military veterans with ALS who have questions regarding retroactive benefits are encouraged to contact The ALS Association toll-free at 1 (800) 782-4747 or alsresources@alsabayarea.org  You can also read more about this important benefit here from the National's website.