Recently on October 27, 2021, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stated that the presumed illness term for Persian Gulf War veterans will be extended until December 31, 2026. This extension falls under the presumptive period for compensation for veterans, specifically those who have chronic disability of 10% or more as a result of undetected diseases. Extending the presumed term ensures that VA can properly and completely administer the benefits authorized by Congress for these veterans.
The preceding extension of the presumption period for qualifying chronic disability originating from undetected diseases among Persian Gulf War Veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs was due to expire on December 31, 2021. If the previous presumed term was not extended, service members who develop ailments after December 31, 2021 would be significantly disadvantaged compared to service members who developed problems earlier.
WHAT QUALIFIES AS A CHRONIC DISABILITY?

Without regard to causation, the VA assumes that certain conditions are attributable to service in the Persian Gulf. This implies that a medical opinion or “nexus” is not necessary to establish service connection. The assumption applies to veterans of the Persian Gulf War who have persistent disability of 10% or more as a result of undetected diseases.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and functional gastrointestinal problems are among the medical ailments that the VA agrees are linked to service during the Persian Gulf War. Undiagnosed diseases with symptoms such as abnormal weight loss, cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint ache, headache, menstrual abnormalities, neurological and psychiatric difficulties, skin ailments, respiratory disorders, and sleep disruptions are also among the probable conditions.
STIPULATIONS OF THE CONVENTION
This extension and its stipulation come from Resolution no. 21 entitled, “Extend the Presumptive Period For Service Connection For Gulf War Veterans with Undiagnosed Illnesses” of the 102nd National Convention of the American Legion, which was passed in Phoenix, Arizona.
The stipulations of the resolution state the following about who are all the veterans that are eligible for this compensation. It states that:
“Veterans in the following groups may qualify for “presumptive” disability benefits: former prisoners of war who have a condition that is at least 10 percent disabling; Vietnam Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975; Atomic Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation and who experienced one of the following, participated in atmospheric nuclear testing, occupied or were prisoners of war in Hiroshima or Nagasaki, served before Feb. 1, 1992, at a diffusion plant in Paducah, Kentucky, Portsmouth, Ohio or Oak Ridge, Tennessee, served before Jan. 1, 1974, at Amchitka Island, Alaska; Gulf War Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations”
PRESUMPTIVE PERIOD FOR COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS: IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE
It’s worth noting that the VA has recently added three presumptive conditions relating to particulate matter exposure, sometimes known as “Burn Pit Exposure” or “Airborne Hazards.” Asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis are among the new presumed illnesses. Veterans must have served in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, or Uzbekistan during the Persian Gulf War, from September 19, 2001, to the present, or in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, from August 2, 1990, to the present, to be eligible for these benefits.
Some examples of “Airborne Hazards,” in addition to smoke and fumes from open burn pits, include sand, dust, and particulate matter; general air pollution, which is frequent in some nations; fuel, airplane exhaust, and other mechanical gasses; and smoke from oil well fires.
CONCLUSION
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