Gulf War Illness for Veterans 

Gulf War Illness (GWI), also called Chronic Multisymptom Illness (CMI), is a health condition affecting Veterans who served in the Gulf area from 1990 to now. This includes service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and certain other areas. Learn more about recognized Gulf War locations for undiagnosed illness presumptive conditions. The illness can cause a variety of symptoms lasting more than 6 months that may not be easily explained. The VA acknowledges GWI as a health condition.

Symptoms of GWI

GWI symptoms can include the following:

• Tiredness that is not relieved by rest (fatigue)

• Muscle and joint pain

• Problems with memory, concentration, and finding words

• Skin conditions

• Stomach problems

• Trouble breathing or a cough that doesn’t go away

Possible causes of GWI

Despite much research, the cause of GWI is not clear. However, it is thought that the possible causes could include:

• Deployment related exposures, such as exposure to nerve agents, pesticides, and other toxins

• Immune dysfunction

• Nerve dysfunction

• Mitochondrial (part of your cells involved in energy) dysfunction

• A genetic and environmental exposure interaction

• A combination of these factors

Next steps  

If you are concerned about GWI, you should:

• Talk with your provider. Discuss exposure concerns at your next appointment.

• Complete a free Gulf War Registry Health Exam to record your exposure and health issues. The registry evaluation is not for care. It is separate from VA’s disability compensation process, and it does not confirm exposure during service.  Contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator to determine eligibility.

• File a claim for disability compensation. This can be a monthly payment for Veterans with illnesses linked to GWI.

• Apply for VA health care. VA has services to help you manage health conditions related to exposure. While there is no cure for GWI, there is a clinical practice guideline that outlines best practices for managing its symptoms. Working with your care team to create a long-term health plan can help find health problems early and treat or reduce complications from exposure.

• Participate in research efforts to better understand GWI.

VA resources

• Exposure Informed Care for Veterans

• VA Public Health- Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses

• VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Chronic Multisymptom Illness- Patient Summary

• Directory of VA Environmental Health Coordinators

• VET-HOME

• Military Environmental Exposures Assessments

• VA War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC)

• Download the free VA Exposure Ed mobile app