Gulf War Illness Claims

Veterans who served in the Gulf War often came home with health issues that do not have a clear explanation. Fatigue that never fades, joint pain that will not go away, stomach problems that seem to worsen over time—these symptoms are real, even when they do not point to a single medical diagnosis. If you are struggling with chronic symptoms that doctors cannot fully explain, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation for a medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness (MUCMI) or another undiagnosed illness linked to your Gulf War service.

At Fight4Vets, we help Gulf War veterans across the country understand their options and get the VA benefits they have earned—whether their condition has a formal diagnosis or not. Contact us for help with your Gulf War illness claims.

What Counts as a Gulf War Illness?

The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that many Gulf War veterans experience unexplained symptoms that interfere with their lives. These symptoms fall under a broad umbrella called Gulf War Illness, which includes both diagnosed and undiagnosed conditions. If you served in Southwest Asia (including Kuwait and the Persian Gulf) any time after August 2, 1990, and now experience persistent symptoms, you may qualify for service-connected disability benefits—even without a clear diagnosis.

There are two main categories: diagnosed chronic conditions and medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness (MUCMI) or undiagnosed illnesses. Some covered illnesses include:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (like IBS)
• Cardiovascular symptoms (such as chest pain or rapid heart rate)
• Muscle and joint pain without a known cause
• Persistent headaches or neurological symptoms

These symptoms must be chronic—meaning they last six months or more—and must have started either during service or within a reasonable time afterward.

No Diagnosis? You Can Still Qualify

One of the most frustrating parts of Gulf War Illness is that doctors may struggle to find a diagnosis. The VA understands that not every service-connected condition fits into a neat box. That is why it allows presumptive service connection for undiagnosed illnesses in veterans who meet certain criteria. If your symptoms have persisted and affect your daily life, the VA may approve your claim without a formal diagnosis—as long as you can prove:

• You served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations
• Your symptoms began during or after your service
• Your condition has lasted at least six months
• No better diagnosis fully explains your symptoms

Even if you have been denied before, you may still have a strong claim—especially if your condition worsened over time or new evidence is available.

Diagnosed Gulf War Conditions: Proving Service Connection

Some conditions common among Gulf War veterans do require a medical diagnosis, but are still considered presumptively service-connected. These include:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest and is not explained by another condition
• Fibromyalgia: Widespread muscle pain and fatigue, often with sleep issues and mood changes
• Functional GI Disorders: Ongoing digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or stomach pain

Veterans with a diagnosis of any of these conditions who served in the Gulf War may not need to prove exactly how their illness is connected to service—the VA assumes a link exists, simplifying the path to benefits. Whether you have a diagnosis or not, a strong VA claim will require:

• Clear documentation of symptoms: Keep a record of how symptoms affect your life, your ability to work, and your daily functioning
• Consistent medical records: VA or private doctor notes that show you have been seeking help
• Lay statements: Personal letters from family, coworkers, or friends who have witnessed the effects of your condition

Get Help with Your Gulf War Illness Claim When You Call us

You served your country. You should not have to keep fighting just to get help. If you are living with chronic fatigue, pain, digestive problems, or unexplained symptoms that make daily life harder, you may qualify for VA disability benefits under Gulf War Illness—even if doctors have not given you a specific diagnosis.

Let Fight4Vets help you build a strong claim and pursue the benefits you deserve. Your symptoms are real. Your story matters. And we can help you tell it, and get the benefits you rightly deserve.