What are the signs of Gulf War Syndrome?

A prominent condition affecting Gulf War Veterans is a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms that can include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, and memory problems.

Does the VA recognize Gulf War Syndrome?

Disability compensation for Veterans VA has recognized medically unexplained illnesses (popularly called “Gulf War Syndrome”) and certain infectious diseases as associated with military service in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations.

Are Gulf War Veterans considered combat Veterans?

Combat Service. Veterans who served in combat during a period of war after the Gulf War, or against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998, qualify, and are eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for 2 years after discharge from the military for any illness.

Can I file a claim for Gulf War Syndrome?

Filing a claim for Gulf War Syndrome is similar to filing for any other approved VA disability. While you may not have to prove service connection if your issues are on the VA Presumptive List, you will still need to prove that you experience difficulties as a result of your disability.

How old is the average Gulf War veterans?

More than half of Gulf War veterans are aged 45 and older (16% are between 55 and 85 years; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2011) and 8% of people deployed in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars were born before 1960 (Dursa, Reinhard, Barth, & Schneiderman, 2014).

How does Gulf war syndrome affect the brain?

In veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Illness, we measured higher levels of a molecule called translocator protein that increases when neuroinflammation is present and found it in many parts of the brain, including those involved in complex brain functions, such as memory and reasoning.

Is a Gulf War veteran a combat veteran?