The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that it will be extending the presumptive period for conditions related to service in the Persian Gulf War to December 31, 2026. This will allow people suffering from these conditions, informally referred to as “Gulf War Syndrome,” to more easily access disability benefits. It may also help people who may previously have been denied benefits due to symptoms appearing after the expiration of the previous presumptive period.
What is Gulf War Syndrome?
Gulf War Syndrome refers to a collection of medical disorders that is found at unusually high rates among veterans of the Persian Gulf War, which waged from 1990 to 1991. These include, but are not limited to:
- chronic fatigue
- gastrointestinal disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- cardiovascular disease
- joint pain
- muscle pain
- neurological and psychological disorders
- skin conditions
- respiratory disorder
- sleep disturbances
- menstrual disorders
Notably, many of these conditions did not appear in veterans until years after their service, and the cause of many of these conditions is still unknown.
What is the Presumptive Period?
The presumptive period is the time period during which Gulf War veterans could present these symptoms and have their condition automatically associated with their military service. Previously, the presumptive period expired on December 31, 2021, but this new rule will extend it through to the end of 2026. This means that people who did not demonstrate symptoms until after the 2021 deadline are now included, provided they become symptomatic by December 31, 2026.
Why Was it Extended?
The presumptive period was extended because, quite simply, the scientific evidence behind Gulf War Syndrome remains shaky. Thus far, there is no given scientific explanation for many of the conditions that Gulf War veterans suffer from to this day, and that makes it difficult to ascertain a specific origin. The ongoing presumption allows veterans to more easily access disability benefits without having to navigate the difficult process of trying to prove their condition is related to their service.
How Could This Affect You?
If you or someone you love was a veteran of the Gulf War, this extension may mean you are now eligible for disability benefits. However, to understand the full impact this may have on you, the best thing you can do is speak to a lawyer with experience handling veterans disability cases. They can help you review your options and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your situation.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
