Diagnostic Code 6354 · 38 CFR §3.317
Gulf War illness refers to a cluster of chronic, unexplained symptoms affecting veterans who served in Southwest Asia from 1990 onward. The VA has special provisions for these veterans — qualifying chronic symptoms that cannot be attributed to a known diagnosis may be granted presumptive service connection as an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Qualifying chronic symptoms are present but mild. You can generally work and function, though symptoms cause some reduction in energy, concentration, or physical comfort. |
| 20% | Symptoms are moderate and affect daily routine noticeably. |
| 40% | Symptoms cause frequent debilitating episodes with substantial limitations in physical activity, concentration, and daily functioning. |
| 60% | Symptoms are nearly constant and severely limiting with frequent incapacitating episodes. |
| 100% | Symptoms are debilitating and constant, making you unable to work or perform basic self-care. |
Evidence of qualifying service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. Symptoms must have manifested during or after service and persisted for at least six months. Medical records documenting chronic symptoms, even without a definitive diagnosis, are the primary evidence.
No. The undiagnosed illness provision requires qualifying symptoms, not a specific diagnosis.
Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and the airspace above. Afghanistan is also included for Post-9/11 veterans.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and functional gastrointestinal disorders are specifically recognized as medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses for Gulf War veterans.