The Department of Veteran Affairs recently announced that they are extending the deadline for Gulf War veterans to claim disability for illnesses related to their military service.
The VA originally said they would stop accepting claims on December 31, 2021, however now they have extended the date to December 31, 2026.
“Gulf War Syndrome” is what the illnesses are commonly referred to as, and they are considered to be “presumptive” by the VA. This means that veterans claiming a disability related to the symptoms don’t have to prove they were caused by military service.
Some common symptoms can include:
- Joint pain
- Insomnia
- Memory problems
- Indigestion
- Headaches
- Fatigue
According to the VA, the following illnesses are related to Gulf War service:
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), a condition of long-term and severe fatigue that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other conditions.
- Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread muscle pain. Other symptoms may include insomnia, morning stiffness, headache, and memory problems.
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders, a group of conditions marked by chronic or recurrent symptoms related to any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Functional condition refers to an abnormal function of an organ, without a structural alteration in the tissues. Examples include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain syndrome.
- Undiagnosed illnesses with symptoms that 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.
If you served in the Gulf War and have experienced any of the above symptoms, contact the VA to see if you may be eligible for disability benefits or free health care.
Good day, I’m wondering why the Vietnam vets aren’t treated like to golf war vets!?? We are still shunned upon!!
Nothing like kiking us to the curb, again…
I totally agree. Here it is 2021 and still fighting for my disability claims from before gulf war.
Please apply for your benefits.
Agreed Brother! I’m a Gulf War Vet, Every Vietnam Vet I see gets a big thank you and hand shake from me! It’d a damn shame after all these years Vietnam Vets are still being treated like shit!! As if they’re waiting for them to die out like Korean War Vets and WW2 Vets before them. It’s only a short matter of time before GWVs are phased out as well. I respect you Peter C! I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!
VCG- Gulf war Veteran.
Tháo YouTube for standing úp For the Vết ‘
Joe Hammond
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Louvivisville, Ky
I came home from Korea in 67 I got my pinky finger on my left hand tore up Playing basketball for the army. I went to the VA and their answer and I still have the letter a mans hands are not worth anything anyway. Well they may not be worth much but they cost me the best job I ever had. Aout 36 years went by and I went the Marion VA and was awarded 20percent and they pay my propery tax. Can”t help but to wonder what my life would have been like if I had been treated fairly. 36 years is a long time.
You should have received back pay for all those years. I would contact a lawyer who handles VA claims, and see if you can still get it.
Hi, I am a Retired Navy Vet who did serve in the first Gulf War. I served upon the USS Hewitt DD 966. I have had and still many issues about the war and the Navy. all of the symptoms you list above. I served from Oct. 15th 1971 thru Sept, 30th 1993 I have been in constant battle of illnesses and pain that they won’t compensate me for. hope they will do the right thing.
I was in the Army in 77-92. I have 70% disability rating. But I will tell you personnel the first thing they said is right down every single thing you went to sick call for and that’s exactly what I did. You need to resubmit for an update of your disability rating.
I served in the top secret US ARMY Special Forces Super Soldier Training Program, it was absolute hell on Earth every minute of every day I was only allowed to go to the General Wood hospital 1 time, even though I died a total of 8 times The only time I was allowed to go to the hospital was the night about 6 hours after I destroyed my feet and ankles when I was forced to run 10 miles while having 1,246 lbs laying across my shoulders and strapped to my back in under 15 minutes my time was 13 minutes and 48 seconds in mile 4 my feet and ankles were destroyed and I hit the ground in pain, Staff Sergeant Palmer ran back to me yelling at me and screaming the entire way then he started kicking me in the ribs and cussing me out and telling me if I didn’t get up he was going to kill me when he pulled his pistol up to my head I got up and he forced me to put all weight back on and keep running! Later in the evening both feet and ankles were swelled to over 3 times their normal size and were turning black and purple! He then allowed me to go to the hospital! The training was absolute hell everything was death everywhere you looked!
I agree.
My dad has been having massive headaches for over 20 years now, been to the VA, no help, tried everything even lawyer, He passed away last month from a brain tumor, Doctor says it has been there for years, dad didnt have health care, wish the VA would have just run a scan, he might be still here. Bless u guys ty for ur service….
I have serious joint pain its excruciating so unbearable at times I become depressed and want to give up