New Gulf War Presumptive Conditions Added For Burn Pit Exposure

It was recently announced that the VA has added 3 new conditions to the presumptive list for airborne particulate exposure from serving during the Gulf War. Here are the quick facts that you need to know:

• What are the 3 conditions

  • Asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis

• Eligibility dates

  • diagnosis within 10 years of separation from service

• Eligibility areas of service

  • Deployed to Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, and Uzbekistan during Persian Gulf War from September 19, 2001 to the present or,

  • Deployed to the Southwest Asia theater from August 2, 1990 to present

• What is an "airborne hazard"

  • the smoke and fumes from open burn pits or oil well fires

  • sand, dust, and particulate matter

  • air pollution

  • fuel, aircraft exhaust, mechanical fumes

Additional Questions

Question: When did the VA start accepting this as a presumptive condition?

Answer: August 5, 2021

Question: Do I need a nexus letter to submit a claim?

Answer: No, as a presumptive condition all you need to do is show that you meet the criteria listed above and provide your medical evidence to the VA when you file your claim.

Question: What if I was denied in the past for these conditions?

Answer: I would recommend refiling the claim. I have read that they will review previous claims, but why wait for them to get to you. Be proactive and refile.

Question: How can MRPY help me with this filing?

Answer: Opinion documents are not required, but some elect to have them completed to provide a positive opinion, organize the evidence concisely, or to fight a denial. Reach out to us for more information or schedule a case review with one of our experts!