Study: Vets may have higher risk for ALS

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- A report by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences finds a possibility that military service increases the chance of developing Lou Gehrig's disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, nicknamed after its most famous victim, is a rare degenerative nervous disease. A committee from the National Academy examined the only five studies of ALS and veterans, CNN reported.

The researchers found that three of the studies were too flawed to be considered. One study by the Veterans Administration found no link between military service and ALS, while the fifth found that veterans who served between 1910 and 1982 were 1.5 times more likely than others to develop it.

Dr. Richard Johnson of Johns Hopkins, who headed the committee, said studies are difficult because the disease is so uncommon.

The committee recommends more research to find out if the apparent link holds up and to seek a cause if it does. Other studies of ALS have found that physically active individuals are more likely to develop it -- which could help explain why veterans would be more susceptible.