Als awareness month | va marion health care | veterans affairs

May shines a light on National ALS Month, a time to stand with those battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and support research efforts for a cure. Let’s unite in raising awareness,

advocating for improved treatments, and offering support to individuals and families affected by ALS. Together, we can work towards a future free from this devastating disease. Amyotrophic

lateral sclerosis (ALS) is also called Lou Gehrig’s disease.  ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle

deterioration and loss of movement.  People diagnosed with ALS lose the ability to move, eat, speak, and eventually, to breathe.  Average life expectancy for those diagnosed with ALS is two

to five years after symptom onset. There is no cure for ALS. Did you know that Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS in comparison to those who have not served in the military? 

Qualified military Veterans diagnosed with ALS and their families are eligible for service connected disability benefits and many other supplemental benefits. The Marion VAMC Spinal Cord

Injury Clinic (SCI) has developed an ALS Clinic to complete quarterly evaluations with those who have already been diagnosed.  We are an interdisciplinary team consisting of providers from

Physiatry, Nursing, Social Work, PT, OT, Speech, Nutrition, Pulmonology, Respiratory Therapy and Behavioral Medicine to assist Veterans and their families with accessing VA benefits,

equipment and additional specialty services and resources.  If you have any questions about ALS or benefits available to Veterans, please contact your local ALS Coordinator- Janet Clark,

LCSW at ext. 155074 or (618) 997- 8262 or Spinal Cord Injury RN, Amanda Dickey, at ext. 158274 or (618) 997-8274.