Click To Call West Nile Virus has been approved by the VA as a presumptive disease. This library item will take a look at West Nile Virus and how it affects service men and women who contract the disease while serving in Afghanistan and Southwest Asia. If veterans can prove that they contracted West Nile Virus while serving they will be eligible for veterans disability compensation.
print this page

West Nile Virus

The VA has added West Nile virus to its list of presumptive diseases that qualify veterans for VA disability benefits. In the article below we will look at the disease and how it affects service women and men.


What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is a disease that until recently was only common in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. However, in the summer of 1999 the disease spread to the United States. The virus is transmitted by mosquitos. Though some infected persons will experience few symptoms others develop life-threatening illnesses.
Veterans who have been stationed in Afghanistan or Southwest Asia are at high risk for transmitting the disease. The amount of time spent outside in regions known for high rates of infection has caused a rise in service men and women affected by West Nile virus.

What are the Symptoms of West Nile Virus?
The majority of people affected by the virus do not show any signs or symptoms of the disease. However, about 20 percent of infected people develop minor symptoms such as:
  • Skin rash
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Backache
  • Muscle aches
  • Lack of appetite
  • Swollen lymph glands

In a very small amount of people, less than 1 percent, the West Nile virus causes a serious and damaging neurological infection. The infection can cause the brain and its surrounding membranes to swell. A serious infection may cause an infection and inflammation of the spinal cord and a sudden weakness in the arms, legs or breathing muscles. Serious signs and symptoms include:
  • High fever
  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Coma
  • Tremors
  • Signs and symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease
  • Lack of coordination
  • Convulsions
  • Pain
  • Partial paralysis or sudden weakness

Though most of the above symptoms can and do get better over time some may leave permanent damage. Certain neurological effects, such as muscle weakness, may be permanent and disabling.

The staff and attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg hope that the information and links given above will help you learn more about West Nile virus as it affects veterans. If you need help filing for or fighting for a higher VA disability rating please contact your Miami veterans' disability attorney today for your free consultation.




VA FooterSoldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.

At LaVan and Neidenberg, we are determined to secure veterans their rightful disability compensation and disability rating. We wrote this book for you! In it you will find valuable tips on how to navigate the claims process and avoid common pitfalls. Request your FREE copy today! 

Or, complete our short contact form or call us directly at 1.888.234.5758 to schedule your FREE case evaluation.



©2012 Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P. A., All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission Privacy Policy
Attorney web design by Foster Web Marketing, the best attorney website design solution on the Web offering search engine optimization for attorneys, lawyer website design, video for attorneys, and more.
Get SEO Tips from The Attorney Internet Marketing Blog

disability lawyer ft lauderdale, federal ssa attorney florida,miami odar, va compensation rates, federal ssa attorney georgia, disability lawyer atlanta