Gulf War Illness

Served in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations during the Gulf War with condition at least 10 percent disabling by 12/31/11. Included are medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses defined by a cluster of signs or symptoms that have existed for six months or more, such as:

  • chronic fatigue syndrome
  • fibromyalgia
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • any diagnosis or undiagnosed illness that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines warrants a presumption of service connection

Signs or symptoms of an undiagnosed illness include: fatigue, skin symptoms, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, neurological symptoms, repiratory symptoms, sleep disturbance, GI symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, weight loss, mentrual disorders.

VA benefits

Gulf War Veterans may be eligible for a variety of VA benefits, including a Gulf War Registry health exam, the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, health care, and disability compensation for diseases related to military service. Their dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits. Learn more about benefits related to Gulf War service. For more information click Here for a PDF.