VA Claim: Toxins, Gulf War issues, Cancer etc. Do you have advice/lessons learned you can provide?

2019-11-30T20:44:15-05:00

What kind of response has the RP community had regarding filing a VA claim/disability rating update for cancer related issues as a result to possible exposure to toxins (Air Force bases with contaminated water, exposure to smoke & oil fires during Gulf War I etc.) ? I am a "two-time winner" of the cancer lottery and starting to work with a local veterans organization (Mt Carmel) here in Colorado Springs to update my VA disability. I would like to hear from veterans in a similar situation and any advice/lessons learned they may be able to pass on.

Response by SSG William Jones made Nov 30 at 2019 9:13 PM

2019-11-30T21:13:14-05:00

Thanks for posting this information.

Response by SFC Jimmy Arocho made Dec 1 at 2019 10:10 AM

2019-12-01T10:10:58-05:00

Good Morning LTC Canfield, in regard to your Gulf War related interest, please evaluate this basic but essential step in managing service connected disability. A Gulf War Health Exam may be an essential step as you navigate the VHA/VBA gauntlet. Also, registering with Burn Pit and Gulf War Registries may help with documentation needed for both healthcare and disability claim. There are two applicable hyperlinks below that may help with your question:
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/benefits/registry-exam.asp
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/medically-unexplained-illness.asp
Nova Southeastern University/Institute of Neurology Immune Medicine has setup a survey that will result in a followup from a Research Associate: https://bit.ly/GulfWarIllnessSurvey

registry-exam.asp