Many Gulf War veterans began experiencing chronic and unexplained symptoms and illnesses after their service. Veterans suffered a wide variety of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, and memory problems. While the media referred to this as “Gulf War Syndrome,” the VA prefers not to use that term, as symptoms can vary immensely from Veteran to Veteran.
When a condition has “Presumptive” status, that means that the VA process presumes that active-duty service caused these conditions. It is then up to the VA to disprove the connection. If your health condition is due to exposure while serving in the Gulf War, you may be eligible for VA Disability compensation.
Who May Qualify for Gulf War VA Disability Benefits
To receive VA disability compensation for a presumptive Gulf War condition, you 1) must have served in a recognized location during a qualifying time period; 2) You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge; 3) You have an illness or other health condition that’s connected to your service; and 4) You meet any applicable timing requirements for when a health care provider diagnosed you with the condition.
Requirements for Gulf War Presumptive Health Condition
The VA has determined that Gulf War veterans may be entitled to presumption for unexplained symptoms and diagnoses related to their service if you served in a recognized location, a health care provider diagnosed you while you were on active duty or at any time after separation, and you’ve been ill for at least 6 months.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A long-term and severe fatigue not relieved by rest or directly caused by other conditions.
Fibromyalgia
Includes widespread muscle pain with possible additional symptoms including insomnia, morning stiffness, headache, and memory problems.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Includes irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain syndrome.
Undiagnosed Illnesses
Symptoms may include, but are not limited to: abnormal weight loss, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, headache, menstrual disorders, neurological and psychological problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, and sleep disturbances.
Requirements for Gulf War Presumptive Infectious Disease
The VA considers these infectious diseases presumptive if you served in a recognized location and a health care provider diagnosed you within 1 year of separation: Brucellosis; Campylobacter jejuni; Coxiella burnetii (Q fever); Malaria (or sooner in some cases); Nontyphoid salmonella; Shigella; or West Nile virus.
The VA considers these infectious diseases presumptive if a health care provider diagnosed you any time after separation: Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Visceral leishmaniasis.
What to Do If Your VA Disability Claim Is Re-Rated
If your service-related cancer goes into remission, the VA is required to re-rate you. Often, the re-rating does not take into account Secondary conditions. Quatrini Law Group can help evaluate your rating or if the VA missed Secondary Conditions.
How Quatrini Law Group Helps Veterans With Disability Claims
Meet Our Veterans’ Disability Attorneys
Michael V. Quatrini | (724) 552-2757
Erika N. Dowd | (724) 217-8274
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gulf War Veterans’ Disability Benefits
Where did you have to serve to qualify for Gulf War presumptive conditions?
To qualify for any of these, you generally need to have served in a recognized location (Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Somalia, and surrounding waters and airspace) on or after August 2, 1990.
Can the VA change my rating for a Gulf War presumptive claim?
Yes, your rating is based on how disabling the condition is and that can be reviewed over time if your condition improves or the VA re-examines you. You always have the right to appeal if you believe your rating is too low.
Speak With a Veterans’ Disability Lawyer in Pennsylvania
As with all of our work at the Quatrini Law Group, we offer a free consultation to review your VA claim. We want to help you decide which claims are ready to appeal, and which appeal options may be right for you. Please contact our office at 1-888-534-6016 or email us to schedule your free telephone, video or in-person appointment.