Gulf War Veteran in 1995?

[Bridgetteg2006]

Good Evening,

I have a question in regards to who qualifies as a Gulf War Veteran being able to claim certain issues under the presumptive criteria.  I read that in order to have Gulf War Syndrome or to be diagnosed with  "un-diagnosed illnesses" related to the Gulf War that you would of had to been part of Desert Shield, Desert Storm etc., and those that served in the Gulf during 1991.  How about those that were in the Gulf in 1995.  I have a friend that was on the USS Belleau Wood in 1995.  They were part of Operation United Shield helping safeguard those exiting Somalia. He was given pills to take during his month there that caused very bad stomach issues that have continued his whole life.  His doctors and GI docs have been unable to determine the cause of his issues.  His Records state that he is a Gulf War Veteran and that he was in the GW Theater.  What are his chances of getting service connected under the Gulf War Presumptions or would you of had to specifically serve during one of those specific periods they are linking everything to such as Desert Shield, Storm, the year 1991 ets.. 

  

[pacmanx1]

There is still time, if your friend has all three Caluza elements then he can file for direct service connection. The three elements required are. 1) an injury/disease in service. 2) the current injury/disease. 3) A doctor’s letter connecting the injury/disease in service to the present condition. 

All of these must be true of your chronic illness or other condition. It:

• Started while you were on active duty or before December 31, 2021, and
• Caused you to be ill for at least 6 months, and
• Qualified you for a disability rating of 10% or more, and
• Was caused only by your service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations

And you must also have a diagnosis of one or more of these conditions:

• Functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Other undiagnosed illnesses, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, and headaches

https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/gulf-war-illness-southwest-asia/

[GBArmy]

Hi Bridgetteg2006 A good reference is https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/gulf-war/gulf-war-winter-2016/gulf-war-presumptives.asp I believe the time period is covered, but couldn't find anything except it goes thru 2021 and likely to be extended. Keep in mind, 4 of 5 disability claims for it are disapproved, so get some professional advise on it.

[Berta]

 "He was given pills to take during his month there that caused very bad stomach issues that have continued his whole life."

Does he have a copy of his SMRS?

Do his SMRs reveal what the name of the pills are and any treatment records for the stomach issues??

This puts his ship in part of 1995 and where the ship was.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_United_Shield#Naval_ships_involved_in_the_Combined_Task_Force

It was an LHA -3. ( ALA Devil Dog" Not to be confused with  CVL, of the same name .

I hope ,if the ship got any medals, decorations, for the work of it's crew, that his DD214 shows them.

Was he Navy or Marine  Corps?

https://marines.togetherweserved.com/usmc/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=PublicUnitProfile&type=Unit&ID=16110

There are ways he might find a buddy statement if needed.

 

 

Edited August 10, 2020 by Berta
added more