Diseases Linked to the Gulf War

Diseases Linked to the Gulf War

There are many health conditions that affect veterans who served in the Gulf War. The VA recognizes a number of conditions that the administration presumes stem from Gulf War service, which can make it easier for veterans to obtain the disability benefits they deserve. 

If you have a presumptive condition from the Gulf War, never assume that the benefits claims process will be simple. It is always best to have the guidance and support of a VA claims attorney. 

Service in Southwest Asia

Certain Gulf War conditions are presumed only if a veteran served in the southwest Asia area of military operations. This includes:

• Afghanistan
• Iraq
• Kuwait
• Persian Gulf
• Arabian Sea
• Bahrain
• Gulf of Alden
• Gulf of Oman
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• The United Arab Emirates
• Red Sea

The first step is demonstrating records of your service in these theaters during the right time period. This time period is after August 2, 1990 and during Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Enduring Freedom.

Diseases Presumed to be Connected to Gulf War Service

The VA presumes that the following health conditions can result in long-term effects on a veteran’s life.

1. Brucellosis – This is a bacterial disease that causes pain, fever, and chronic sweating. 
2. Campylobacter jejuni – Another bacterial disease that can cause chronic stomach pain, cramping, diarrhea, and fever. 
3. Coxiella Burnetii (Q Fever) – This is a bacterial infection that causes headaches, fever, nausea, diarrhea, or cardiac inflammation. 
4. Malaria – This is a parasitic disease that causes fever, chills, sweating, and headaches. It can also quickly become a life-threatening condition. 
5. Mycobacterium Tuberculosis – TB can cause problems with your spine, brain, and kidneys, possibly causing weight loss, chest pain, coughing, and fever. 
6. Nontyphoid Salmonella – This bacteria results in a serious gastrointestinal infection, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. 
7. Shigella – This is a bacterial disease that causes fever, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. 
8. Visceral Leishmaniasis – This parasitic disease can damage your internal organs, including liver and spleen enlargement. Signs include weight loss, fever, and more.
9. West Nile Virus – This is a disease from mosquitoes that can cause muscle pain, headache, fever, nausea, and more. 

For some presumed conditions, veterans must have at least 10 percent disability within one year of military separation to qualify for benefits. Other conditions have no requirements for timeframes or disability ratings to qualify. Discuss your qualifications with an experienced VA attorney. 

Speak with a Gulf War Veterans Attorney

While you do not have to show a direct service connection to your condition to qualify for benefits for presumptive Gulf War diseases, getting benefits is still not a simple process. You need to ensure you receive the full amount you are eligible for, and The Comerford Law Office can help. 

We ensure that Gulf War veterans have the financial support from the VA that the law entitles them to. Contact us for assistance as soon as possible. Our legal team is ready to assist you with every stage of your VA benefits claim.