Beyond the Battlefield: How Gulf War Syndrome Impacts Veterans’ Lives
The unexplained but all-too-real symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome affect countless veterans. Veterans experience unexplainable pain, memory issues, fatigue, and so many other symptoms. It affects their lives on a daily basis and can be debilitating for many who suffer it. The origins of this condition have eluded medical researchers for decades, and new theories continue to arise for its cause.
At GC, our VA disability attorneys know what you are going through. Our Gulf War veterans deserve compensation through the VA for their symptoms. Our highly experienced team has what it takes to seek compensation and benefits on your behalf.
What Is Gulf War Syndrome?
Gulf War syndrome refers to a cluster of inexplicable symptoms that veterans from that conflict suffer. While combat in the Gulf War only lasted 43 days, the severe health effects have lasted for decades.
For over 30 years, medical experts and the military have sought an answer to what causes these symptoms. To this day, many theories exist, including potential causes such as:
- Exposure to the chemical weapon sarin
- Chemical warfare agents such as nerve gas
- Pyridostigmine bromide, given to soldiers who might be exposed to chemical warfare agents
- Psychological factors such as post-traumatic stress disorder
- Oil well fires, pesticides, and other noxious chemicals
While the exact cause is unclear, Gulf War syndrome is recognized by the military and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) as a legitimate condition.
Symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome
The symptoms of Gulf War syndrome affect thousands of veterans, even to this day. Every person experiences them differently, but common symptoms include the following:
- Fatigue
- Cognitive issues
- Skin rashes
- Diarrhea
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Memory problems
- Fibromyalgia
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders
- Abnormal weight loss
- Headaches and migraines
- Menstrual disorders
- Respiratory disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Anxiety and depression
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Many veterans from the Gulf War suffer these symptoms and deal with their effects daily. Many have paid for their own medical care, sought help, and found it difficult to get the benefits they deserve.
Improving the Quality of Life for Gulf War Veterans: VA Benefits
Gulf War veterans are often entitled to coverage from the VA. In fact, because the exact cause of these symptoms is still unknown, the VA presumes certain unexplained and chronic symptoms are related to Gulf War service if you served during that time. The VA may grant benefits without regard to cause in these cases.
You may also have a presumed disability if it appeared within 1 year of your date of separation, and the disability qualifies you for a 10% rating or more. Presumed disabilities include:
- Campylobacter jejuni
- Burcellosis
- Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)
- Shigella
- West Nile virus
- Nontyphoid salmonella
- Malaria
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
If you served during the Gulf War or in its aftermath, you could be entitled to presumptive benefits with the VA. Too many veterans are unaware of or fail to utilize the benefits they are owed. You served your country so you deserve the benefits available to you.
Apply for Benefits Related To Gulf War Syndrome
You have the right to file for VA benefits related to your Gulf War syndrome. We know how complicated this process can be. We also know how frustrating it is when your application is denied. We help veterans nationwide appeal these decisions and fight for the benefits you deserve.
The dedicated VA disability attorneys at
GC
are ready to fight for you. We understand the system and the complex process related to Gulf War syndrome applications. Our team is ready to help you. Contact us today for a case evaluation.
