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!