Persian Gulf War veterans suffering from qualifying illnesses or symptoms may be eligible for disability benefits under a presumed basis through Dec. 31, 2026.
On Wednesday, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it is extending the presumptive period for qualifying chronic disabilities for Persian Gulf War veterans to Dec. 31, 2026.
The presumptive period was previously set to expire on Dec. 31, 2021. During the presumptive period, the VA assumes that certain illnesses and symptoms are caused by service during the Persian Gulf War, granting veterans special disability benefits. Among the qualifying illnesses are chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, certain gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, neurological problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, as well as “medically unexplained illnesses.”
The VA says part of the decision to extend the presumptive period was ongoing research that has yet to determine a cause or typical time of onset for illnesses caused by service during the Persian Gulf War. The department notes that ending the presumptive period this December would have been “premature.”
Additionally, had the department not implemented the extension, the VA says that Persian Gulf War veterans with conditions that developed after the presumptive period “would be substantially disadvantaged” in obtaining benefits. In most cases, definitively proving that service led to a specific illness is almost impossible.
This is not the first time the VA has changed qualifiers for special disability benefits for veterans. In August, the department added chronic asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis to its list of qualifying illnesses for benefits relating to particulate matter exposure.
The VA is encouraging all Persian Gulf War veterans to file a claim. For free assistance obtaining VA benefits, California veterans can contact the California American Legion.
Author: Christian Southards
Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.