Lawmakers urge VA to recognize rare muscle-wasting disease

Inclusion body myositis is a progressive disease with no known cure that causes muscles to weaken, degenerate and atrophy. Marine Corps veteran Tierney Mayer-Tucker in 2025 was diagnosed with a rare inflammatory disease called inclusion body myositis, which weakens and deteriorates muscles. The disease limits a person’s ability to walk, grasp objects, and perform basic tasks without assistance. Researchers are beginning to look for links between the disease and military service. (Tierney Mayer-Tucker) WASHINGTON — More than 50 lawmakers are urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to make a rare neuromuscular disease called inclusion body myositis a presumptive service-connected disability that automatically qualifies afflicted veterans for benefits. Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a progressive disease with no known cure that causes muscles to weaken, degenerate and atrophy.

There are more than 6,700 veterans receiving care from the VA for inclusion body myositis, according to a letter from lawmakers to VA Secretary Doug Collins requesting the benefit expansion. The number represents a 221% increase in veterans diagnosed with the disease, compared with 2010 levels, according to the letter, signed by lawmakers from both chambers and parties. “Veterans diagnosed with IBM must navigate a lengthy and burdensome individualized claims process to establish direct service connection,” the letter said. Marine Corps veteran Tierney Mayer-Tucker, 49, of California, who deployed twice to the Persian