Sunday, August 2, marked the 25th Anniversary of the Gulf War. From a Congressional standpoint, and under VA-recognized law, this period of war has not ended. This is particularly important for Veterans who have served in any branch of the armed services since August 2, 1990, because service during wartime is an essential requirement for receiving VA pension.
Eligibility for VA pension requires:
– 90 days of active duty service, with at least one day during a wartime period to qualify for a VA Pension. If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions), with at least one day during a wartime period AND
-Age 65 or older OR
-Totally and permanently disabled OR
-A patient in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care OR
-Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance OR
-Receiving Supplemental Security Income AND
-Your yearly family income must be less than the amount set by Congress
Gulf War Veterans may also be eligible for service connected compensation for certain illnesses that are presumed to be related to service in certain areas of Southwest Asia. These illnesses include:
-Medically unexplained illnesses (popularly called “Gulf War Syndrome”)
-Certain infectious diseases.
– Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosed in all Veterans who had 90 days or more continuous active military service.
Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C’s experienced veterans disability attorneys help Veterans in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana obtain service-connected compensation, pension, and individual unemployability. Contact us today at 251-343-1111 if you have any questions about your VA benefits.