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Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis

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What is the prevalence of multiple sclerosis among Veterans?

The prevalence of Veterans with MS has increased in recent years. The Veterans Affairs Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence (MSCoE) calculates from a 2019 report that the rate of MS among Veterans using the VA Health Care System (VHA) increased from 141 per 100,000 Veterans in 1999 to 262 per 100,000 Veterans in 2014. But only about 40% of Veterans with MS — approximately 20,000 — receive their care from the VHA. So, the real number of Veterans currently living with MS is likely much higher.

View more information on the symptoms of MS and learn more about who gets MS

What types of resources are available to Veterans with MS?

If you or someone you love is a Veteran with MS, several organizations, including the National MS Society, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), can help. You’ll find resources from all three below.

Veteran support from the National MS Society

Find information, read firsthand stories by Veterans living with MS and connect with others who understand your experience through the National MS Society.

 

Perspectives from Veterans and MS experts

Ask an MS Expert Program Series

Connect with top MS experts on topics related to MS — weekly in English, monthly in Spanish and quarterly for Veterans.

Watch Programs

Watch Programs

A Veteran's Perspective

Donnie Horner shares his story of being diagnosed with MS while serving as an officer on the bridge of an aircraft carrier.

Watch Video

Watch Video

At the Front

Momentum Magazine surveys the benefits offered by the VA and relates stories of Veterans diagnosed with MS.

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Read Article

National MS Society Blog

Veterans share their perspective on being diagnosed and offer advice on living with MS on the Society’s blog. 

Read Blog

Read Blog

Additional help for Veterans

Self-Help Group for Veterans

In this free group led by people with MS, Veterans and active-duty military share common experiences and concerns.

 

Join Group

Join Group

Veterans with MS Resource List

Review this collection of articles, podcasts and organizations for Veterans with MS from the Society and the VA.

Download List

Download List

Veteran support from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The VA strives to provide veterans with the benefits and services they have earned — and to do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability and stewardship. Among the benefits they provide is healthcare. The VA’s Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare network in the U.S. The department also helps servicemembers transition out of military service, assisting with education, home loans, life insurance and more.

VA’s MS Centers of Excellence

In 2003, the VA established the MS Centers of Excellence (MSCoE). The organization is dedicated to furthering understanding of MS and its impact on Veterans, and to promoting research into the causes of and treatments for MS. Under its umbrella, a network of around 70 regional programs strives to minimize disability and maximize quality of life for Veterans with MS. They also answer common questions about MS and military service.

In 2019, the National MS Society signed a memorandum of agreement with the MSCoE. Through this partnership, we improve care, expand resources and provide education and support for Veterans living with MS and their families.

To find the nearest VA clinics and MS Centers of Excellence, visit the MSCoE on the VA website or reach out via email to MSCentersofExcellence@va.gov.

VA disability benefits and eligibility criteria for MSIf you are a Veteran with MS, you may qualify for VA disability benefits. Access to VA healthcare is based upon enrollment eligibility and discharge status from active military service. To find out if you qualify, read eligibility criteria online or call the VA benefits line at 800-827-1000.

The VA offers a variety of medical and support services and programs for Veterans with MS. Some of these benefits are based on level or percent of disability. Others may be based on service-connection. Each Veteran’s medical benefits package is unique. Learn more about coverages such as medical, dental and vision, visit the VA website.

For information about Copay Rates visit VA health care copay rates page for the latest information.

Learn about the VA’s Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) who works to ensure all veterans receive equal service regardless of race, origin, religion, or gender.

Service-connected disability

Symptoms of MS often occur years before a diagnosis is made. If you are a Veteran diagnosed with MS within 7 years of your separation from the military, the VA may classify your illness as related to your military service and award you a “service-connected” disability. Service-connection is given for disabilities that were not diagnosed while on active duty, but are presumed to have begun during service.

You may still be eligible even if you separated from the military more than 7 years ago. You would need a diagnosis by a healthcare provider, preferably a neurologist, who links symptoms you had during those 7 years directly to your current diagnosis. A "nexus" letter can support the claim by showing this connection.

When applying for benefits, make sure you have:
  • A complete and ongoing journal of your symptoms. Include dates, duration, severity, names of medical providers and any witnesses who can attest to the limitations imposed by your MS.
  • A file of all your medical records (military and non-military). You must have a copy of your DD Form 214 and documentation of all your medical information to date. This information could help support a case for future rating increases.

COVID-19 vaccines from the VA

All U.S. Veterans, Veteran spouses and caregivers are now eligible to receive free COVID-19 vaccines through the VA. Visit the VA’s COVID-19 vaccine website to learn more.
 
Learn more about VA disability benefits and services for Veterans with MS.

Series on MS from the VA

Check out videos and podcast episodes on issues that matter to Veterans with MS produced by the MS Centers of Excellence.

MS and Me Video Series

This series from the VA covers topics such as cognition, exercise, fatigue and mobility. 

Watch Videos

Watch Videos

MS and Vets Podcast Series

Tune in on the second Monday of each month for the VA’s podcast for Veterans with MS.

Listen to Podcast

Listen to Podcast

Help from the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)

Logo of the Paralyzed Veterans of America with a soldier in a wheelchair saluting.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) helps Veterans, including those with MS, access their hard-earned VA benefits. One in four PVA members has MS, and the PVA has a strong track record of success with even the most complex disability claims. They also assist with automobile and home adaptions and access to VA medical care. 
PVA membership is open to anyone who:
  • Is a citizen of the United States or its territories
  • Is a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces whose discharge was other than dishonorable
  • Has a spinal cord injury or disease, including MS

Visit the PVA website for more information on how they can help.

Logo of the Paralyzed Veterans of America with a soldier in a wheelchair saluting.

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