2024 Guide to Gulf War Syndrome VA Benefits

Gulf War Syndrome (GWS), includes symptoms reported by U.S. military veterans of the first Gulf War from August 1990.

It is also known as MUCMI (medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness) which includes the first Gulf War and subsequent operations in the Persian Gulf Theater.

By 1999, over 110,000 cases were reported in the US alone, affecting up to 30% of those who served.

For years, the VA hesitated to acknowledge these conditions until the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 was signed into law by President Biden.

This act recognized several medical conditions related to Gulf War service, largely due to toxic smoke from military burn pits.

Does the VA recognize Gulf War Syndrome?

Gulf War Syndrome, a term for debilitating symptoms in Gulf War veterans, was initially not acknowledged by the VA.

The PACT Act now provides compensation through presumptive benefits.

New evidence from May 2022 links sarin gas exposure to Gulf War Syndrome, supporting veterans’ suspicions and marking a significant step toward proper treatment.

How do you prove Gulf War Syndrome to VA?

Gulf War Veterans, or veterans serving from August 2, 1990 to present,  who meet certain criteria do not need to prove a connection between their military service and illnesses in order to receive VA disability compensation.

The VA presumes certain chronic, unexplained symptoms existing for six months or more are related to Gulf War service without regard to cause.

These presumptive illnesses must have appeared during active duty in the South West Asia theater of Military Operations or by December 31, 2026 and be at least 10% debilitating.

Conditions associated with Gulf War Veterans, Desert Storm, OEF, OIF, etc.

These illnesses include:

1. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – a condition of long-term and severe fatigue that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other conditions.
2. Fibromyalgia – a condition characterized by widespread muscle pain. Other symptoms may include insomnia, morning stiffness, headache, and memory problems.
3. Functional gastrointestinal disorders – a group of conditions marked by chronic or recurrent symptoms related to any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Functional condition refers to an abnormal function of an organ, without a structural alteration in the tissues. Examples include; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain syndrome.
4. Undiagnosed illnesses  with medical conditions that may include but are not limited to: abnormal weight loss, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, headache, menstrual disorders, neurological and psychological problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, and sleep disturbances. (2)

In the UK, Gulf War veterans from the Desert Storm conflict began reporting symptoms and illnesses identical to those reported by service members of the first war, shortly after they returned from duty.

The symptoms reported by veterans include but are not limited to:

• Fatigue
• Persistent Headaches
• Muscle Aches/Pains
• Neurological Symptoms – e.g. tingling and numbness in limbs
• Cognitive Dysfunction – short-term memory loss, poor concentration, inability to retain information
• Mood and Sleep Disturbances – Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia.
• Dermatological Symptoms – Skin Rashes, Unusual Hair loss.
• Respiratory Symptoms – Persistent Coughing, Bronchitis, Asthma
• Chemical Sensitivities
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms – Diarrhea, Constipation, Nausea,
• Bloating.
• Cardiovascular Symptoms
• Menstrual Symptoms

Note: This list does not reflect all symptoms, as they vary widely.

Veterans who believe they have symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome should also consider related presumptive conditions linked to Gulf War service and if they may be able to apply for these conditions. We discuss this in more detail below.

Medical Conditions Now Considered Presumptive to Gulf War Service and Burn Pits

VA states that if you have a presumptive condition, you do not need to prove that your service caused the condition.

The only thing you need is to meet the service requirements for the presumption.

Learn about the different presumptive conditions related to Gulf War veterans below.

Conditions diagnosed during active duty or at any time after separation

These undiagnosed illnesses are considered presumptive by the VA if you served in a recognized location, you were diagnosed while on active duty or at any time after separation, and you’ve been ill for at least 6 months:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness
• Other undiagnosed illnesses, such as cardiovascular signs and symptoms, muscle and joint pain, and headaches

Conditions diagnosed within 1 year of separation

These infectious diseases are considered presumptive by the VA if you served in a recognized location and were diagnosed within 1 year of separation:

• Brucellosis 
• Campylobacter jejuni
• Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)
• Malaria (or sooner in some cases)
• Nontyphoid salmonella
• Shigella
• West Nile virus

Conditions diagnosed any time after separation

These infectious diseases are considered presumptive by the VA if you were diagnosed any time after separation:

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Visceral leishmaniasis

What about presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposure?

The VA added over 20 burn pit and other toxic exposure presumptive conditions due to the PACT Act.

This change expands benefits for Gulf War era and post-9/11 Veterans in recognized locations (see below).

Click here to learn more about burn pit exposures and benefits.

What Gulf War locations are recognized for presumptive conditions?

If you served in any of these locations on or after August 2, 1990, the VA presumes your undiagnosed illness is associated with your service:

• Afghanistan (airspace not included)
• Bahrain
• Egypt (airspace not included)
• Iraq
• Israel (airspace not included)
• Jordan (airspace not included)
• Kuwait
• Neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Syria (airspace not included)
• Turkey (airspace not included)
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• The waters of the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea

Note: Additionally, the airspace in any of the above mentioned locations are recognized unless specified.

What was believed to have caused Gulf War Syndrome?

There were many factors present in the Gulf during the war that could have caused condition.

It is likely that a combination of these factors together is what led to the illness

• Burn Pit Exposure
• Oil Well Fire Smoke Exposure
• Infectious Diseases from unsafe water
• Biological weapons and Chemical weapons
• Pesticides and Herbicides
• Pyridostigmine bromide
• Chemical Coating
• Dumped Jet Fuel
• Decontamination solution
• Depleted Uranium

If you are experiencing a chronic multi-symptom illness and served in the Gulf War, it’s important to determine if you have a qualifying presumptive condition.

If so, you may be eligible for VA benefits.