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How Can Veterans Get Benefits for Gulf War Syndrome?
The VA has extended the presumptive period to Dec. 31, 2026, for certain chronic disabilities affecting Persian Gulf War veterans.
Persian Gulf War veterans who develop a qualifying condition that is rated at least 10% before the end of 2026 as a result of military service can receive disability benefits.
The VA presumes that the following medically unexplained illnesses are related to service in the Persian Gulf War:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Disability benefits may also be awarded to veterans with undiagnosed illnesses with these symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Skin problems
- Headaches
- Muscle and joint pain
- Neurological or neuropsychological problems
- Symptoms involving the upper or lower respiratory system
- Sleep disturbance
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Cardiovascular problems
- Weight loss
- Menstrual disorders
The presumptive period for these conditions, commonly called Gulf War Syndrome, was previously set to expire at the end of 2021.
“Limiting entitlement to benefits due to the expiration of the presumptive period would be premature given that current studies remain inconclusive as to the cause and time of onset of illnesses suffered by Persian Gulf War Veterans,” according to a VA press release announcing the 5-year extension.
It should be noted that other conditions presumptive to Gulf War service, such as those related to burn pits, do not have a presumptive period. There is currently no end date for when claims for those conditions can be filed.
Who Are Gulf War Veterans?
Although the Gulf War that began in August 1990 only lasted 7 months, the VA defines Gulf War veterans as anyone “who served on active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations any time from Aug. 2, 1990, to present.” That means for the purposes of VA benefits, those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn are considered Gulf War veterans.
Get Help Filing a VA Disability Benefits Claim
If you are a Persian Gulf War veteran experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or other unexplained medical issues, contact Woods and Woods, The Veteran’s Firm, for help filing your VA disability benefits claim.
The call and the filing are free. If your previous claim was denied or if you received a lower rating than you deserve, contact us. We won’t charge you a single fee until we win your case.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(866) 232-5777
Yes, the VA offers disability benefits to Persian Gulf War veterans who developed chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. A presumptive condition means that the veteran does not need to prove a connection between the illness and military service.