Veterans Affected
In 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait. In response, 35 nations, lead by the US formed a coalition and mounted a response known as Operation Desert Storm. While other nations sent in troops the US lead the charge and provided over 690,000 soldiers to battle the Iraqi forces.
After the war, many returning Gulf War soldiers service members began reporting fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive issues, and other symptoms and illnesses. Eventually taking on the name Gulf War Syndrome, this chronic and multi-symptomatic disorder is estimated to affect 250,000 veterans who served during the conflict.
The illnesses associated with Gulf War Syndrome have not been linked to any specific cause, but it is believed that many environmental and chemical hazards that service members were exposed to may be the cause. Recently, medical researchers attribute the cause to sarin, a gas emitted when Iraqi chemical weapon stockpiles were bombed in the Gulf War. Sarin is typically lethal, but the gas that soldiers encountered in Iraq was diluted, thus not fatal.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes Gulf War Syndrome and Gulf War illness symptoms as a “presumptive condition”. This means that certain health issues are presumed to be related to Gulf War service.
If you or a Veteran in your life are experiencing the symptoms associated with Gulf War Syndrome and have been denied your Veterans Disability Benefits, Chad Barr Law is here to help.
What is Gulf War Syndrome?
The definition of Gulf War Syndrome, also known as Desert Storm Syndrome, refers to a collection of unexplained symptoms. Many Veterans who served in the Gulf War experience these symptoms, yet their cause remains uncertain.
Symptoms of Gulf War Illness
Common Gulf Syndrome symptoms include chronic fatigue, headaches, joint pain, body pain, respiratory disorders, and debilitating medical conditions. Veterans may also face skin conditions and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can vary greatly, making diagnosis challenging. Understanding these diverse manifestations is critical to seeking proper care. Recognizing Gulf War Syndrome as a genuine health issue is crucial for securing the necessary support and treatment.
Here are some symptoms:
- Headaches (including Migraines)
- Memory Issues
- Neurological Problems
- Fatigue
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Dyspepsia
- Skin Conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Muscle Pain
- Joint Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Respiratory Issues
Additional symptoms may be associated with Gulf War Syndrome including multi-symptom illnesses.
Causes of Gulf War Illness
There has been no direct cause linked to Gulf War Syndrome, however, Veterans were exposed to many hazards during their time in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Some of the indicated causes include:
- Pesticides
- Pretreatment Protections against Nerve Agents
- Depleted Uranium
- Oil Well Fires and their Smoke
- Sand and Dust Particles
- Chemical Weapons
- Biological Weapons
- Chemical Agent Resistant Paints
- Organophosphates
- Sarin Nerve Agent
- Fuels
- Solvents
- Combat Stress
The VA offers a free Gulf War Registry health exam for anyone who may have been exposed during their deployment. If you believe some of your long-term health problems may be related to The Gulf War then we recommend you have the exam as soon as possible.
Gulf War Presumptive Illnesses
The VA acknowledges certain health issues as “presumptive conditions” for Gulf War Veterans.
Presumptive Gulf War conditions cover a wide range of medical issues linked to Gulf War service. Veterans suffering from these conditions are entitled to benefits without needing to prove direct service connection. This simplifies access to much-needed support, resources, and VA benefits.
Below are some presumptive Gulf War illnesses:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Sleep Apnea
- Fibromyalgia
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders
- Undiagnosed illnesses, including skin rashes, skin conditions, and headaches
By recognizing these conditions as presumptive, the VA has made strides in addressing Gulf War Veterans’ unique health challenges. This approach not only aids in securing Veterans benefits but also validates Veterans’ experiences and health struggles.
Is Creatine Kinase a VA Gulf War Syndrome?
An increased creatine kinase level might suggest muscle damage and could be linked to some symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome. However, it’s not officially recognized by the VA as “Gulf War Syndrome.” Veterans won’t automatically receive benefits just because they have a high creatine kinase level. A more thorough medical examination is necessary to determine if there’s a service-connected disability due to Gulf War exposure.
VA Rating for Gulf War Syndrome
The VA rating system assigns a percentage to a Veteran’s disability, impacting benefit eligibility. Ratings for Gulf War Syndrome consider the severity and impact of symptoms on daily life. Higher ratings yield greater benefits for Veterans.
These ratings play a vital role in determining the level of financial and medical support a Veteran receives. Chronic conditions like those caused by Gulf War service often cover many different conditions with each having their own schedule for rating disabilities.
The Persian Gulf War Syndrome Compensation Act
The Persian Gulf War Syndrome Compensation Act plays a pivotal role in supporting Veterans. This legislation recognizes the unique health issues faced by Gulf War Veterans. It ensures those with Gulf War Syndrome receive the benefits they are entitled to, addressing financial and health needs.
The Act streamlines the benefits process by including a list of presumptive conditions. This acknowledgment simplifies proving service connection for affected Veterans. The Act’s significance lies in its contribution to fair treatment and recognition. It underscores the government’s commitment to the well-being of Veterans who served during the Gulf War.
The Persian Gulf War Syndrome Compensation Act outlines the eligibility for military Veterans to receive compensation for Persian Gulf War Syndrome after their service in the Gulf War. It applies to Gulf War Veterans who served in:
- Arabian Sea
- Bahrain
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Oman and the Oman Gulf
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- The United Arab Emirates
- Nearby seas and areas between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
If you served in any of these regions during the Gulf War and experience chronic symptoms affecting your health that are medically unexplained, you may be eligible for VA Disability Benefits.
Chad Barr Law Can Help
Veterans with Gulf War Syndrome can trust Chad Barr Law and our VA accredited attorneys to help navigate disability claims.
Looking to appeal a VA claim?
Looking to increase your VA Disability Benefits?
Call us today at 888-2-VETLAW. Working with our Veterans Disability Attorneys can help make sure you get the benefits and care you deserve, honoring your service and sacrifices. Chad Barr Law fights for those who fought for us.
