Persian Gulf War Veterans

Veterans of the Persian Gulf War can receive service connection in any of the usual ways for any diagnosed disability that began or worsened in service.  Gulf War veterans are also automatically entitled to service connection for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) if that condition develops during or subsequent to service.  However, some Gulf War veterans suffer from symptoms for which there is currently no diagnosed cause.  A VA rule allows service connection for undiagnosed illnesses for these and other symptoms if the veteran has Gulf War service.  The symptoms must have developed during the veteran's service in the Gulf or before Januar 1, 2007 (this end-date may be extended through Congressional action).

Symptoms for which Gulf War veterans can be service connected include, but are not limited to: fatigue, skin problems (including hair loss), headache, muscle pain, neurologic symptoms, neuropsychological symptoms (including memory loss), respiratory symptoms, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, abnormal weight loss, and menstrual disorders.

Once a doctor diagnoses an ailment that causes the symptoms, the veteran is no longer eligible for for service connection under this special rule but can try to get service connection using the standard preocedures.

  The information you obtain in this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.  You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.