WASHINGTON –
Department of Veterans Affairs officials have extended the presumptive period to Dec. 31, 2026, for qualifying chronic disabilities rated 10% or more resulting from undiagnosed illnesses in Persian Gulf War veterans to ensure benefits established by Congress are fairly administered.
If an extension of the current presumptive period was not implemented, service members whose conditions arise after Dec. 31, 2021, would be substantially disadvantaged compared to service members whose conditions manifested at an earlier date.
Limiting entitlement to benefits because of the expiration of the presumptive period would be premature given that current studies remain inconclusive as to the cause and time of onset of illnesses suffered by Persian Gulf War veterans.
VA presumes certain medically unexplained illnesses are related to Persian Gulf War service without regard to cause, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, functional gastrointestinal disorders. Also included are undiagnosed illnesses with symptoms that may include but are not limited to abnormal weight loss, cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, headache, menstrual disorders, neurological and psychological problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders and sleep disturbances.
Persian Gulf War veterans who are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and other unexplained medical issues are encouraged to file a claim.
Learn more about VA and Gulf War Veterans.