Gulf War Syndrome Attorney Chicago

Gulf War Syndrome Attorney Chicago

Veterans of the First Gulf War, also known as Desert Storm, often have a group of chronic symptoms that have not been linked to any specific disease but nonetheless do impact their quality of life. The Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized that these groups of symptoms are likely the result of service in Desert Storm and may refer to these symptoms as “Gulf War Syndrome.” Since these symptoms can differ drastically from one veteran to the next, the VA prefers not to refer to Gulf War Syndrome as a single syndrome but rather calls the cluster of symptoms “undiagnosed illnesses” or “chronic multisymptom illness.” 

For years, the causes of Gulf War Syndrome and the cluster of symptoms that are linked to it were unknown; recent medical research indicates that Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used in pesticides, Pyridostigmine bromide pills, and chemical nerve agents in the first Gulf War may be to blame. Those who exhibit certain chronic symptoms may be eligible to receive long-term veterans’ disability benefits. An experienced Gulf War Syndrome attorney in Chicago can help.

How to qualify for Gulf War Syndrome disability benefits

To qualify for veterans’ disability benefits based on Gulf War Syndrome, you must first prove that you were a qualified Gulf War veteran. If you served in any of the following areas during the war, you may qualify even if you merely flew above these areas. 

• Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Qatar, or United Arab Emirates
• The neutral area between Saudi Arabia and Iraq
• Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, or Gulf of Aden

Then, you must also prove that you have chronic disabling symptoms that are either undiagnosed, medically unexplainable, or chronic multisymptom illnesses. Some conditions that may qualify you for benefits include:

• Cardiovascular issues
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Chronic headaches
• Fibromyalgia
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Joint of muscle pain
• Menstrual disorders
• Neurological or neuropsychological symptoms
• Respiratory problems
• Skin conditions
• Sleep disruption or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

If any of these chronic disorders persist for six months or longer, they can be considered chronic for the purposes of acquiring VA benefits. Importantly, these symptoms must be undiagnosed to automatically qualify you for VA benefits. They must not be connected to any other illnesses not directly related to your Gulf War service. Those with diagnoses will need to provide additional evidence to prove that the disability is service-related. 

If you are a Desert Storm veteran suffering from chronic or unexplained symptoms that significantly reduce your quality of life, you may be entitled to long-term VA disability benefits. 

Talk to a Chicago VA Disability Attorney for Gulf War Syndrome Today

The Comerford Law Office, LLC represents the interests of Gulf War veterans who have chronic, unexplained, multisymptom conditions. When you are suffering from such a debilitating ailment or condition, such as Gulf War Syndrome, call our office today to speak with a Chicago Gulf War Syndrome attorney during a free consultation. Together, we can begin discussing how you could qualify for VA disability benefits.