What Caused Gulf War Syndrome?

For many Veterans who served in the Gulf War, the battle didn’t end when they returned home. Countless brave men and women who dedicated themselves to serving their country have since faced a new challenge: a cluster of chronic, unexplained illnesses known as Gulf War Syndrome or Gulf War Illness. 

These Veterans, who put their lives on the line in service to their nation, now find themselves grappling with a complex array of symptoms that can be both physically and emotionally debilitating. 

One of the most pervasive misconceptions surrounding Gulf War Syndrome is the notion that it is primarily a psychological condition rather than a physical illness. This misconception can lead to a lack of understanding and support for Veterans suffering from the complex array of symptoms associated with Gulf War Syndrome.

What is Gulf War Syndrome?

Gulf War Syndrome, also known as Gulf War Illness, refers to a group of medically unexplained chronic symptoms that affect Veterans who served in the 1991 Gulf War. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prefers to refer to these illnesses as chronic multisymptom illness (CMI) and undiagnosed illnesses due to the wide variety of symptoms Veterans experience. 

These symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, and memory problems. It is estimated that at least one-third of Gulf War Veterans suffer from CMI.

What Causes Gulf War Illness?

During the Gulf War, service personnel were exposed to various environmental hazards and duties that may have contributed to the development of Gulf War Illness. Some of these duties and exposures include:

• Chemical Weapons Exposure: Many Gulf War Veterans were exposed to chemical weapons when the Iraqi military destroyed weapons caches. Additionally, some Veterans may have been exposed to chemical agents during the demolition of Iraqi munitions.
• Pyridostigmine Bromide (PB) Pills: Troops were given PB pills as a pretreatment to protect against nerve agent attacks. However, some studies suggest that PB pills may have contributed to the development of Gulf War Illness.
• Pesticide Exposure: Pesticides were widely used during the Gulf War to control sandflies and other pests. Some of these pesticides, such as permethrin and DEET, have been linked to neurological symptoms.
• Depleted Uranium (DU) Exposure: DU was used in tank armor and ammunition due to its high density. When DU munitions were fired, they created dust that could be inhaled or ingested, potentially leading to health problems.
• Oil Well Fire Smoke: During the Gulf War, Iraqi forces set fire to Kuwaiti oil wells, creating large plumes of smoke containing various pollutants. Exposure to this smoke may have contributed to respiratory issues and other health problems.
• Burn Pits: Burn pits were used to dispose of waste materials, including plastics, medical waste, and other hazardous substances. The smoke from these burn pits contained toxins that may have been inhaled by nearby service personnel.
• Psychological Stressors: In addition to physical exposures, Gulf War Veterans faced numerous psychological stressors, such as the constant threat of enemy fire, witnessing casualties, and being away from family for extended periods. These stressors may have contributed to the development of mental health conditions that are often associated with Gulf War Illness.

While not all Gulf War Veterans were exposed to every hazard or performed all of these duties, the combination of these factors may have played a role in the development of Gulf War Illness.

Presumptive Service Connection for Gulf War Syndrome

The VA has established presumptive service connections for certain conditions related to Gulf War service, such as medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses. Gulf War Veterans who meet certain criteria do not need to prove a connection between their military service and illnesses to receive VA disability compensation. 

The VA presumes that certain chronic, unexplained symptoms existing for six months or more are related to Gulf War service without regard to cause. For VA benefit purposes, Gulf War service is defined as active military duty in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations at any time from August 2, 1990, to the present day. 

This theater of operations includes Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and the airspace above these locations. Veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2010) and Operation New Dawn (2010-2011) are included under this definition of Gulf War service. 

These “presumptive” illnesses must have appeared during active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations or by December 31, 2026, and be at least 10 percent disabling. Presumptive illnesses include:

• Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
• Fibromyalgia
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Undiagnosed illnesses with symptoms such as abnormal weight loss, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, headache, menstrual disorders, neurological and psychological problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, and sleep disturbances 

Ongoing research by the VA and other organizations continues to investigate the links between Gulf War service and the illnesses Veterans have experienced, aiming to provide better understanding, treatments, and support for those affected by Gulf War Syndrome.

Contact Berry Law to File a VA Disability Claim for Gulf War Syndrome

The attorneys at Berry Law recognize that the symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming, making it difficult for Veterans to focus on the legal aspects of their claim. That’s where Berry Law comes in. 

With their knowledge of VA regulations and procedures, the attorneys at Berry Law can guide Veterans through every step of the claims process, ensuring that each case is presented in the strongest possible manner. At Berry Law, a team of experienced attorneys, many of whom are Veterans themselves, understands the unique challenges these individuals are facing and is ready to help. 

Gulf War Illness doesn’t have to define a Veteran’s life. They served their country with honor; now Berry Law is ready to serve them with the legal representation they deserve. Call 888-883-2483 or fill out an online contact form for a free confidential consultation. Berry Law represents Veterans in all 50 states and is available 24/7.