What are the 20 Presumptive Conditions for Gulf War Veterans?
The Gulf War, which took place from August 1990 to February 1991, was a complex and multifaceted conflict that involved the deployment of over 700,000 American troops to the Middle East. The war was marked by the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, and it was the first war to be fought primarily by a coalition of international forces.
In the years following the Gulf War, a significant number of veterans reported experiencing a range of symptoms and health problems, which were later linked to their service in the war. In response to these concerns, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established a program to provide medical care and benefits to Gulf War veterans suffering from specific conditions.
What are Presumptive Conditions?
A presumptive condition is a medical condition that is presumed to be related to military service, and is therefore eligible for VA benefits and compensation. The VA has established a list of 20 presumptive conditions for Gulf War veterans, which are based on the evidence of an association between the condition and service in the Gulf War.
The 20 Presumptive Conditions for Gulf War Veterans
Here are the 20 presumptive conditions for Gulf War veterans, as established by the VA:
| Condition | Symptoms | Exposure Risks |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) | Muscle weakness, paralysis, loss of motor function | Exposure to sarin, cyclosarin, and other nerve agents |
| 2. Chronic Bacterial and Rickettsial Infections | Fever, chills, rash, joint pain | Exposure to unsanitary conditions, contaminated water, and infected vectors |
| 3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Prolonged fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain | Exposure to stress, sleep disturbances, and inadequate nutrition |
| 4. Fibromyalgia | Widespread muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances | Exposure to stress, sleep disturbances, and inadequate nutrition |
| 5. Gastrointestinal Disorders | Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation | Exposure to contaminated food and water, and stress |
| 6. Gulf War Syndrome | Multiple symptoms, including fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, and neurological problems | Exposure to toxic chemicals, stress, and inadequate nutrition |
| 7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation | Exposure to contaminated food and water, and stress |
| 8. Lyme Disease | Fever, headache, joint pain, rash | Exposure to infected ticks and inadequate personal protective equipment |
| 9. Malaria | Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches | Exposure to infected mosquitoes and inadequate personal protective equipment |
| 10. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity | Sensitivity to chemicals, including fragrances, cleaning products, and pesticides | Exposure to toxic chemicals, stress, and inadequate personal protective equipment |
| 11. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Prolonged fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain | Exposure to stress, sleep disturbances, and inadequate nutrition |
| 12. Neurocognitive Disorders | Memory loss, concentration problems, confusion | Exposure to toxic chemicals, stress, and inadequate nutrition |
| 13. Parkinson’s Disease | Tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia | Exposure to sarin, cyclosarin, and other nerve agents |
| 14. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of triggers | Exposure to combat, stress, and traumatic events |
| 15. Rheumatoid Arthritis | Joint pain, stiffness, swelling | Exposure to stress, inadequate nutrition, and genetic predisposition |
| 16. Severe Chemical Exposure | Symptoms vary, including skin problems, respiratory problems, and neurological problems | Exposure to toxic chemicals, including sarin, cyclosarin, and other nerve agents |
| 17. Skin Cancer | Skin lesions, nodules, and tumors | Exposure to UV radiation, chemicals, and other environmental factors |
| 18. Sjogren’s Syndrome | Dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, fatigue | Exposure to stress, inadequate nutrition, and genetic predisposition |
| 19. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | Joint pain, fatigue, skin rash, kidney problems | Exposure to stress, inadequate nutrition, and genetic predisposition |
| 20. Thyroid Dysfunction | Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, fatigue, weight changes | Exposure to iodine deficiency, radiation, and stress |
Conclusion
The 20 presumptive conditions for Gulf War veterans are a list of medical conditions that are presumed to be related to military service in the Gulf War. These conditions are based on the evidence of an association between the condition and service in the war, and are eligible for VA benefits and compensation. Gulf War veterans who are experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with one of these conditions should contact the VA to learn more about the benefits and services available to them.
Additional Resources
- Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/gulfwar/
- Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Presumptive Conditions for Gulf War Veterans. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/gulfwar/presumptive-conditions/
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (n.d.). Gulf War Veterans’ Health. Retrieved from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agent/gulf-war-veterans-health.cfm
