Many veterans have questions about the VA rating for Gulf War Syndrome, especially since benefits weren’t always available to those affected by the condition.
Thanks to the 2022 Honoring Our PACT Act, the VA now recognizes Gulf War Syndrome as a claimable disability. That means veterans who served in the Persian Gulf and developed unexplained symptoms can now qualify for benefits and finally receive a fair VA rating for Gulf War Syndrome based on the severity of their condition.
Over time, research and greater understanding of toxic exposure have helped the VA establish clearer rules for how Gulf War Syndrome is evaluated and rated.
How the VA Recognizes Gulf War Syndrome Today
The VA rating for Gulf War Syndrome is based on how a veteran’s symptoms align with what the VA calls a medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness (MUCMI). This complex condition can involve a mix of physical and cognitive symptoms that the VA now links to toxic exposure during the Gulf War and later deployments in the Persian Gulf region.
In the past, veterans often couldn’t receive benefits because their symptoms were too vague or couldn’t be tied to a specific incident. However, after years of research and evidence showing widespread sarin gas exposure, the VA formally recognized MUCMI as a compensable condition. Now, veterans can pursue a proper VA rating for Gulf War Syndrome to reflect how their illness impacts their daily life. Veterans with severe symptoms affecting multiple body systems may qualify for a 100% VA disability rating for Gulf War Syndrome.
However, the VA avoids what’s known as the Pyramiding Rule, meaning overlapping symptoms from different conditions can’t be rated twice. Instead, veterans receive one combined rating that represents the overall impact of their Gulf War–related illnesses.
Who Qualifies for VA Disability Benefits for Gulf War Syndrome?
To qualify for a VA rating for Gulf War Syndrome, veterans must meet the following criteria:
- Served on active duty in the Persian Gulf or Southwest Asia beginning in August 1990 through the present
- Developed a presumptive illness during service or before December 31, 2026
- Experienced chronic, unexplained symptoms lasting six months or longer
- Have symptoms that result in at least a 10% disability rating
If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits and an official VA rating for Gulf War Syndrome based on your individual condition.
Common Symptoms and Presumptive Conditions
The VA recognizes that exposure to toxic chemicals, including sarin gas, can cause a variety of chronic symptoms. Veterans who were in qualifying locations and developed these symptoms may be entitled to a presumptive VA rating for Gulf War Syndrome.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue
- Muscle pain or joint stiffness
- Cognitive and memory issues
- Sleep problems
- Respiratory or skin conditions
- Cardiovascular symptoms
- Chemical sensitivities
The VA considers several presumptive conditions when assigning a VA rating for Gulf War Syndrome, including:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
- MUCMI (Medically Unexplained Chronic Multi-Symptom Illness)
Gulf War veterans may also qualify for benefits if they developed certain infectious diseases after service, such as Brucellosis, Q fever, Malaria, or Visceral Leishmaniasis.
What Are the Recognized Gulf War Locations for Undiagnosed Illness Presumptive Conditions?
If a veteran served in any of these locations on or after August 2, 1990, their undiagnosed illness is presumed to be connected to their military service.
- The waters of the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Turkey (airspace not included)
- Syria (airspace not included)
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Oman
- Neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Jordan (airspace not included)
- Israel (airspace not included)
- Iraq
- Egypt (airspace not included)
- Bahrain
- Afghanistan (airspace not included)
The airspace above all countries and locations listed in this section is also recognized, unless otherwise noted as excluded.
What Are the Recognized Gulf War Locations for Infectious Disease Presumptive Conditions?
If a veteran served in any of these locations on or after August 2, 1990, their infectious disease is presumed to be connected to their military service.
- The waters of the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Oman
- Neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Iraq
- Bahrain
- Afghanistan (airspace not included; only service after September 19, 2001)
The airspace above all countries and locations listed in this section is also recognized, unless otherwise noted as excluded.
Talk to a VA Disability Lawyer at VetLaw for FREE
If you served in the Gulf War and are dealing with ongoing, unexplained health problems, you may be entitled to a VA rating for Gulf War Syndrome under the PACT Act of 2022.
You don’t have to prove direct service connection; the VA presumes that many of these conditions stem from toxic exposure in the Persian Gulf. An experienced veterans disability attorney at VetLaw can help you determine the right VA rating for Gulf War Syndrome, guide you through the claims process, and make sure you get the benefits you’ve earned.
Contact VetLaw today online or at (336) 355-8387 for a FREE case evaluation.
