In Nebraska 16 veterans are known to be living with ALS. Since 2005, the Veterans Administration has declared that ALS is a service connected disability for compensation purposes It is thought to be caused by environmental factors.Research is underway at Harvard University to find out the cause of this neurological disorder.Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the New York Yankee baseball player.Amyotropic lateral sclerosis(ALS) is a progressive and often fatal neurological disorder that causes the neurons that control muscles to degenerate.Social Security pays benefits to individuals diagnosed with ALS and waives the five month waiting period for benefits. For information about ALS and Social Security disability benefits call (402) 933-5405 or contact the [email protected]