
From August 2, 1990, to the present, certain health conditions have been linked to military service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. Some Veterans who served during the Gulf War are particularly concerned about medically unexplained health conditions, also known as Gulf War Illness, Gulf War Syndrome, or Chronic Multi-symptom illness.
Studies conducted by Veterans Affairs suggest that one-third of Gulf War Veterans are suffering from Gulf War Illness (GWI). Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a term that refers to a group of real but varied and medically unexplained chronic symptoms found in Veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm/ Operation Desert Shield that took place from 1990 to 1991.
What Are Symptoms of Gulf War Illness?
Symptoms of GWI vary and cannot be grouped into one consistent group of symptoms. This may make it challenging for healthcare providers to recognize and treat it. Here are the most common symptoms of GWI:
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain
- Cognitive difficulty
- Skin rashes
- Abdominal (belly) discomfort/bowel changes
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep disturbances
A Veteran must undergo a comprehensive evaluation for their symptoms, as some medically explainable conditions unrelated to GWI may also cause the above symptoms. The exact cause of Gulf War Illness is not fully understood, but it is thought to be linked to a combination of factors that Veterans were exposed to during their service. These may include:
- Chemical and biological warfare agents (though the full scope of exposure is debated)
- Pesticides and other chemicals used to control insects
- Depleted uranium used in munitions
- Vaccines given to prevent diseases like anthrax and botulism
- The stress of combat and environmental factors
Gulf War Veterans might qualify for disability compensation for illnesses connected to their military service. Their dependents and survivors may also be eligible for benefits. For further information, please visit publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/index.asp.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
An experienced VA Disability Attorney can help.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports the VA rejects more than 80% of claims relating to the Gulf War, stating that it is difficult to assess medically unexplained symptoms.
If you or a loved one has been experiencing Gulf Warness Illness and need assistance with your VA disability claims, please contact us today for a free consultation to get started! Our law firm assists disabled Veterans nationwide in obtaining disability benefits through the VA disability system.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form