While throughout our series on presumptive service connections we’ve been discussing certain conditions with assumed service connection due to the nature of a veteran’s experience, the topic is a bit trickier when it comes to Gulf War veterans as these individuals often aren’t diagnosed with a specific illness or have symptoms that are unexplained.
But for veterans who served in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations during the Gulf War who report a condition at least 10 percent disabling by December 31, 2011, there are certain circumstances that are presumed to be service-connected. Such circumstances include medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses defined by a pattern of symptoms that have persisted for six months or more, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.
Additionally, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has the power to determine another condition is presumed to be service-connected, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed.
The undiagnosed illnesses that are typically deemed service-connected usually present with one or more of the symptoms listed below:
If you’re a Gulf War veteran who suffers from one or more of the above symptoms, we can help. Schedule a 100% free initial consultation with the expert Veterans Disability lawyers of Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, by calling toll-free 877-526-3455 or by sending us an email. We will fight for the benefits you deserve.