VA extends deadline for seeking Gulf War illness benefits to 2021

By NIKKI WENTLING – For the next five years, veterans will have an easier time seeking benefits for illnesses linked to service in the Gulf War because of an extension issued Monday by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Since 1994, the VA has automatically presumed a connection from Gulf War service, which included a toxic environment of oil fires and chemical weapons, to an increased risk for several illnesses. The connection enables veterans to receive a disability rating and benefits more quickly. But the presumed connection and the ability to seek benefits was set to expire at the end of this year, after being extended four times previously. Effective 10/24/16, the VA extended it a fifth time, to Dec. 31, 2021. Read more here:  http://www.stripes.com/news/va-extends-deadline-for-seeking-gulf-war-illness-benefits-to-2021-1.434547