Connection To Military Service
Luckily, if you have been impacted by the Gulf War in some way, you do not need to prove any connection between your service and your illness in order to receive compensation from the VA. You will have to meet certain criteria, however, so be sure to research what those requirements are.
The Department of Veteran Affairs states that any unexplained, chronic symptoms that have existed for 6 months or longer can be related to the Gulf War. The following illnesses must have started during active duty in South West Asia during military operations or by December 31, 2021 and be 10-percent or more debilitating in everyday life:
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Marked by long term, severe bouts of fatigue that are not relieved with rest and is not caused by another condition.
• Functional Gastrointestinal disorders. A group of disorders that are recurrent or chronic and related to gastrointestinal function. A functional condition means that there is abnormal functioning of the GI tract but no structural change in the tissues. Some examples of functional gastrointestinal disorders include functional dyspepsia, functional abdominal pain syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Symptoms of other undiagnosed conditions are abnormal weight loss, cardiovascular disease, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, menstrual disorders, headache, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, sleep disturbances, and neurological and/or psychological disorders.
• Fibromyalgia. Characterized by dull or aching muscle pain throughout the body. Other symptoms of this condition include memory issues, stiffness of joints and muscles, trouble sleeping, and headaches.
