What qualifies as Gulf War Illness for VA purposes?

Q: What qualifies as Gulf War Illness for VA purposes?

Under 38 CFR § 3.317, veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations can receive presumptive service connection for medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses — including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and functional GI disorders (IBS, dyspepsia) — plus certain infectious diseases. Symptoms must have manifested to at least a 10% level by the current statutory sunset.

Last verified July 15, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent

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'Medically unexplained' means no other diagnosis fully accounts for the symptoms.
You still need a current diagnosis or documented symptom pattern that lasts at least six months.
PACT Act expanded the covered locations and added conditions.

Gulf War presumptives

This is general educational information about VA claims — not legal or medical advice. Individual outcomes depend on the record. Oakridge Claims is a private VA-Accredited Claims Agent practice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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What qualifies as Gulf War Illness for VA purposes?

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