VAAC
Veteran ALS Action Committee (VAAC)
Who is the VAAC?
The Veteran ALS Action Committee is a team comprised of foundation members, advocates, caregivers, & Veterans living with ALS. The VAAC is dedicated to increasing Veteran awareness of and participation in clinical trials and research through education and outreach.
Our Goals
Awareness
Raise awareness of clinical trials and research opportunities that are available to Veterans impacted by ALS.
Education
Educate Veterans and healthcare providers on the clinical trial process and the roles that each person plays.
Collaboration
Bridge the gap between the clinical trials world and Veterans to create positive change in the ALS community.
WEBINARS
“Accessing Caregiver Benefits & Resources” Webinar
The “Caregiver Benefits and Thursday, June 18th, 2026. The discussion focused on elibibility for certain benefits and resources through the VA. Our moderators were Jill Brattain and Mandi Bailey of the VAAC, joined by ALS Care Coordinator Leah Darling and PVA Representative Scott Bushorn. Click the button below to view the recording.
Resource Links:
VA Caregiver Support Program
Geriatrics and Extended Care
CHAMPVA Benefits
Recording Passcode: rH7+?Mcz
Webinar RecordingView the Slides
“Observational Trials” Webinar
The “Observational Trials” webinar was held on February 26th, 2026. The discussion focused on clinical trials and natural history studies, the ALL ALS “All In ALS” Program, and perspectives from researchers, clinicians, and participants. Click the button below to view the recording.
Recording Passcode: 02@0M0gU
“Introducing & Exploring ALS VA Handbook” Webinar
The “Introducing & Exploring the ALS VA Handbook” webinar was held on November 20th, 2025. The discussion reviewed the ALS VA Handbook with contributions from Dr. Ileana Howard and Ms. Leah Darling. Click the button below to view the recording.
Recording Passcode: @Uv5UqxT
Webinar RecordingVA ALS Handbook
PUBLICATIONS
International Symposium on ALS/MND Posters
The VAAC presented at the 36th International Symposium on ALS/MND in San Diego this year.
Please see the buttons below to view and download the presented posters!
"Navigating Complex Conversations in ALS""ALS/MND & The Military"
New Publication!
Dr. Ileana Howard, Chair of the VA’s ALS Executive Committee, has teamed up with leading ALS care providers throughout the VA to understand the symptom burden and care satisfaction of our Veterans impacted by ALS. Their findings have been released in a new publication, “Symptom Burden and Care Satisfaction in US Military Veteran with ALS: Results of a National Survey.” Please see the button below to view and download the publication!
2026 Veterans Clinical Research Learning Institute (VCRLI)
The second annual Veterans Clinical Research Learning Institute (VCRLI) was held June 5 and 6th in Malvern, PA, at the Desmond Hotel.
The VCRLI program is an intensive two-day learning experience dedicated to educating Veterans on the clinical research process, therapy development, the treatment landscape, and advocacy in order to empower Veterans and caregivers to be advocates and valued contributors to ALS clinical research.
View the PhotosDownload the PresentationsExplore the Program
Resources
- Your ALS Guide
a comprehensive online guide to living with ALS
- ALS TDI Trial Navigator
A free resource from the ALS Therapy Development Institute for finding clinical trials
- I AM ALS Signal
A free resource from I AM ALS for finding clinical trials
- Les Turner Clinical Trial Participation Guidebook
An online guide for what to expect during the clinical trial process