Gulf War syndrome
Gulf War syndrome, is a chronic and multisymptomatic disorder affecting returning military veterans and civilian workers of the Persian Gulf War of 1990 and 1991. A wide range of acute and chronic symptoms have been linked to it, including fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, rashes and diarrhea. Approximately 250,000 of the 697,000 U.S. veterans who served in the 1991 Gulf War are afflic…
Who is considered a Gulf War veteran?
This means that anyone who served on active duty from August 2, 1990, to present is considered a Gulf War Veteran. For example, the Veterans Pension benefit requires service during a wartime period. Therefore, any Veteran who served on active military service for any period from August 2, 1990, to the present meets the wartime service requirement.
What is the VA doing to help Gulf War veterans?
Genetic study and biorepository— VA is undertaking a genetic study of Gulf War Veterans that will include collecting survey data and banking blood in a biorepository to better understand genetic influences on CMI and how Veterans respond to treatment.
Why do Gulf War veterans have so many symptoms?
Psychological factors – Gulf War veterans have high rates of mental illness such as PTSD, which can exacerbate symptoms Infectious diseases, such as malaria, have also been linked to Gulf War Syndrome symptoms, and are presumed by the VA to be connected to service.
Does Gulf War syndrome qualify for VA compensation?
However, keep in mind that with Gulf War Syndrome, if you experience any of these symptoms for six months or longer, you will automatically receive compensation if these are at least 10 percent disabling. Within the VA, Gulf War Syndrome falls under the umbrella of chronic multisystem illness (CMI).
What are some illness associated with the Gulf War?
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.
What illness did some Gulf War veterans get from Desert Storm?
Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) is also known as 'Desert Storm Diseases' or simply 'Gulf War Illness. ' This condition includes symptoms that have been reported by U.S. military veterans, press, and government employees of the first Gulf War (as early as August 1990).
How do I know if I am a Gulf War veteran?
More than 650,000 Service members served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 2, 1990 to July 31, 1991. For VA benefits eligibility purposes, the Gulf War period is still in effect. This means that anyone who served on active duty from August 2, 1990, to present is considered a Gulf War Veteran.
What is the VA disability rating for Gulf War Syndrome?
However, to be eligible for benefits for “Gulf War Syndrome,” you must receive a 10 percent disability rating or higher. A rating of 30 percent or higher qualifies you for additional benefits for any dependent living in your home (e.g., spouse, children, dependent parents).
What is the most likely cause of Gulf War Syndrome?
What are the possible causes of Gulf War syndrome? Possible causes include: Chemical warfare agents, particularly nerve gas, or pyridostigmine bromide, which was given as a preventive measure to soldiers likely to be exposed to chemical warfare agents. Psychological factors, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Is PTSD a presumptive condition for Gulf War veterans?
Gulf War Connected Illnesses Gulf War veterans who have received a valid diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be granted if the illness is associated with an in-service stressful event. The VA presumes certain medically unexplained illnesses are related to Gulf War service without regard to cause.
Is arthritis part of Gulf War Syndrome?
After resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, nonspecific inflammatory polyarthritis and/or psoriatic arthritis has been shown to be causally or etiologically related to the Veteran's military service during the Persian Gulf War. 2.
How old is the average Gulf War veterans?
More than half of Gulf War veterans are aged 45 and older (16% are between 55 and 85 years; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2011) and 8% of people deployed in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars were born before 1960 (Dursa, Reinhard, Barth, & Schneiderman, 2014).
Is sleep apnea service connected for Gulf War veterans?
Sleep apnea is not considered a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange or ionized radiation, or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. However, veterans of the Persian Gulf War may be entitled to presumptive service connection for their sleep apnea.
Who is eligible for Gulf War Syndrome?
A Gulf War veteran of the post-9/11 era may qualify for disability benefits if he or she suffers from such unexplained, chronic symptoms as: Fatigue. Headaches. Joint pain.
Are Gulf War veterans considered combat veterans?
Combat Service. Veterans who served in combat during a period of war after the Gulf War, or against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998, qualify, and are eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for 2 years after discharge from the military for any illness.
What does the Gulf War exam consist of?
This comprehensive health exam includes an exposure and medical history, laboratory tests, and a physical exam. A VA health professional will discuss the results face-to-face with the Veteran and in a follow-up letter.
What are the presumptive diseases of Gulf War veterans?
For Gulf War Veterans, these presumptive diseases include: Medically unexplained illnesses (popularly called "Gulf War Syndrome").
What are the benefits of the Gulf War?
military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
How to apply for VA benefits?
Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below. Apply online using eBenefits, OR. Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR. Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you.
Is the Gulf War still in effect?
For VA benefits eligibility purposes, the Gulf War period is still in effect. This means that anyone who served on active duty from August 2, 1990, to present is considered a Gulf War Veteran. For example, the Veterans Pension benefit requires service during a wartime period. Therefore, any Veteran who served on active military service ...
Can Gulf War veterans get disability?
Gulf War Veterans may still seek to establish service connection individually for other, "non-presumptive" diseases and illnesses related to service in the Gulf War. Learn more about qualifying for disability compensation for non-presumptive conditions on the Compensation website.
What are the symptoms of Gulf War veterans?
A prominent condition affecting Gulf War Veterans is a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms that can include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, and memory problems. VA refers to these illnesses as "chronic multisymptom illness" and "undiagnosed illnesses.".
Do you need to prove a connection between your military service and illness to receive VA disability compensation?
Military service connection. Gulf War Veterans who meet the criteria below do not need to prove a connection between their military service and illnesses in order to receive VA disability compensation. VA presumes certain chronic, unexplained symptoms existing for 6 months or more are related to Gulf War service without regard to cause.
When did the VA recognize Gulf War service?
The VA recognizes Gulf War service in the Southwest Asia area of military operations from Aug. 2, 1990 , onward as the potential to develop long-term health problems. Any Veteran who served from this date onward meets the wartime service requirements. This includes Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
How many Gulf War veterans are affected by Gulf War Syndrome?
If you are experiencing health concerns that may be associated with Gulf War Syndrome, you aren’t alone. An estimated one-third of all Gulf War Veterans experience symptoms.
What Causes Gulf War Syndrome?
Although extensive research started in the mid-1990s, the direct cause of the syndrome remains unexplained. There is no single source or exposure identified that is known to cause Gulf War Syndrome.
How long does Gulf War syndrome last?
Those symptoms must also persist. Most providers will consider a condition chronic if the duration of the symptom is at least six months.
Why is it so difficult to get treatment for veterans?
It can be challenging to get treatment because of the symptoms that Veterans experience can be easily dismissed as insignificant by the health care system if this applies to you, document symptoms as much as possible.
Can Gulf War Syndrome be mistaken for other conditions?
The symptoms of this syndrome are also often confused with other conditions. Many healthcare providers are not familiar with Gulf War Syndrome, and the illness can easily be mistaken for other conditions. This contributes to the fact that 80% of VA claims for Gulf War-related disabilities are denied.
Is Gulf War Syndrome a presumptive disability?
How to prove Gulf War Syndrome Symptoms. The good news is that the VA recognizes Gulf War Syndrome as a “presumptive” service disability. This means that the VA assumes certain disabilities were caused by military service.
What was the Gulf War?
The Gulf War, also known as the Persian Gulf War, began on August 2, 1990, and lasted until February 28, 1991. The war was against Iraq and involved troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, France, Kuwait, and others. More than 55,000 people died in the war, most of them Iraqis. Another 75,000 troops or more were wounded.
What is the most common disorder in veterans?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most common disorders among veterans of any war, but especially in the Gulf Wars. This disorder is the result of experiencing trauma. It can be debilitating. A person suffering from PTSD may try to avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event and can experience extreme anxiety when reminded of it.
How much does the VA pay for disability?
For disability ratings of 20 percent and below, the VA will not consider any factors beyond your rating. If you have a rating of 10 percent, you will receive $144 from the VA each month. If you have a rating of 20 percent, you will get $285 each month tax-free.
How long did the Gulf War last?
Although the official Gulf War conflict lasted only seven months, the repercussions of that war continue today. Even post-9/11 veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn are considered to have served in the Gulf War. Therefore, the VA defines Gulf War veterans as anyone “who served on active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations any time from August 2, 1990, to present.”
What was the goal of Operation Desert Storm?
The goal of Operation Desert Storm was to destroy Iraqi infrastructure to weaken the military and collapse their defenses. The initial campaign was considered a success, and on February 28, 1991, President Bush declared a ceasefire. However, the colossal damage to Iraqi property led to a simmering anger that eventually fueled the second Gulf War.
How many people died in the Gulf War?
The war was against Iraq and involved troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, France, Kuwait, and others. More than 55,000 people died in the war, most of them Iraqis. Another 75,000 troops or more were wounded.
What was the first stage of the Gulf War?
The first stage of the Gulf War was called Operation Desert Shield, and its purpose was defensive. There was significant concern that, after Iraq invaded Kuwait, it might continue to invade Saudi Arabia. The proximity of Kuwait to Saudi Arabia’s oil fields could give Saddam Hussein a potential opportunity to take control of the majority of the world’s oil supply.
What are the symptoms of Gulf War veterans?
A prominent condition affecting Gulf War Veterans is a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms that can include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, skin problems, and memory impairment. VA refers to these illnesses as "chronic multisymptom illness" (CMI) and "undiagnosed illnesses."
How many Gulf War veterans are in the study?
This study, conducted by VA's Office of Public Health, compares changes in health status over time between deployed and non-deployed Veterans from the Gulf War era. Approximately 30,000 Veterans are taking part in the study.
What is the VA research?
VA researchers are learning about conditions affecting Gulf War Veterans and identifying the best ways to diagnose and treat them. Their efforts are guided by a strategic plan for Gulf War research developed with input from leading scientists and researchers, physicians, and Veterans themselves.
How many veterans are affected by Gulf War?
The 2016 epidemiological study referenced above found that at as many as 300,000 Veterans, nearly 44 percent—about 4 in 10 of those who deployed to the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield and Desert Storm—are now estimated to have Gulf War Illness, based on the latest data.
What are the research areas of the Gulf War Veterans?
These include studies on pain, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative disease, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems, and other chronic diseases.
Do veterans need to be enrolled in VA health care to take part in the Desert Shield exam?
Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to take part.
Do you have to be enrolled in VA to take part in the Gulf War?
Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to take part. For more information on VA's efforts on behalf of Gulf War Veterans, particularly in the areas of epidemiology and surveillance, visit the Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses section of the VA Office of Public Health website. top.
Gulf War Veterans
- More than 650,000 Service members served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 2, 1990 to July 31, 1991. For VA benefits eligibility purposes, the Gulf War period is still in effect. This means that anyone who served on active duty from August 2, 1990, to present is considered a Gulf War Veteran. For example, the Veterans Pension ...
VA Benefits
- Gulf War Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial. See our Veteranspage for an overview of the benefits available to all Veterans.
Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses
- Certain illnesses and diseases are "presumed" by VA to be related to your military service in designated areas of Southwest Asia and may entitle you to VA disability compensation benefits. For Gulf War Veterans, these presumptive diseases include: 1. Medically unexplained illnesses (popularly called "Gulf War Syndrome"). 2. Certain infectious diseases. 3. Amyotrophic lateral scl…
How to Apply
- The specific VA benefit or program web page will provide tailored information about how to apply for a particular benefit or program. Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below. 1. Apply online using eBenefits, OR 2. Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR 3. Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee …
Gulf War Veterans’ Medically Unexplained Illnesses
Military Service Connection
- Gulf War Veterans who meet the criteria below do not need to prove a connection between their military service and illnesses in order to receive VA disability compensation. VA presumes certain chronic, unexplained symptoms existing for 6 months or more are related to Gulf War service without regard to cause. These "presumptive" illnesses must have appeared during active duty i…
VA Benefits
- Gulf War Veterans may be eligible for a variety of VA benefits, including a Gulf War Registry health exam, the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, health care, and disability compensation for diseases related to military service. Their dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits. Learn more about benefits related to Gulf War service.
Research on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses
- VA and other researchers continue to conduct researchto investigate how service in the Gulf War is linked to illnesses Gulf War Veterans have experienced. Research includes: 1. Multiyear health survey of Gulf War-era Veteransto find out how their health has changed over time 2. Studies by VA's War Related Illness and Injury Study Center VA contracts with the Health and Medicine Divi…