Gulf War Presumptives [2024 Guide]

If you developed an illness or other health conditions directly connected to your service as a Gulf War veteran from 1990 to now, you might qualify for Gulf War presumptives.  

This guide details qualifying conditions considered to be Gulf War presumptives, how to file a VA disability claim and qualification requirements. 

What are Gulf War Presumptives?

Gulf War Presumptives refers to veterans suffering from VA presumptive conditions related to their service in the Gulf War region. 

Qualifying for Gulf War Presumptives

To qualify for Gulf War presumptive illnesses, you must have first appeared during active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations between August 2, 1990, and the present. The VA considers the following locations to be part of the Southwest Asia theatre of operations: 

• Afghanistan (airspace not included) 

• Egypt (airspace not included) 

• Israel (airspace not included) 

• Jordan (airspace not included) 

• Syria (airspace not included) 

• Turkey (airspace not included) 

• Iraq 

• Kuwait 

• Saudi Arabia 

• The neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia 

• Bahrain 

• Qatar 

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) 

• Oman 

• The Gulf of Aden 

• The Gulf of Oman 

• The waters of the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea 

Note: The airspace above all of the countries and locations listed in this section is recognized, unless specified that it’s not included. 

Gulf War Syndrome Symptoms

Many Gulf War veterans were exposed to hazardous substances and adverse environmental conditions, leading to a range of health issues commonly referred to as Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses.

NOTE: The VA does not use the terms “Gulf War Syndrome” or “Gulf War Syndrome presumptive conditions” but instead categorizes these conditions into two main types: 

1. Medically Unexplained Chronic Multisymptom Illnesses (MUCMI): This includes chronic fatigue, headaches, joint pain, muscle pain, indigestion, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), dizziness, memory problems, and other similar symptoms. 

2. Undiagnosed Illnesses: These are illnesses with symptoms such as skin issues, cardiovascular symptoms, weight loss, and menstrual disorders that do not fit into a specific diagnosis but are recognized as presumptive conditions by the VA. 

Gulf War Presumptive Conditions List

The new VA presumptive conditions Gulf War list aims to streamline the process for veterans seeking compensation for illnesses related to their service in the Gulf War region. 

If you qualify for one of the below presumptive conditions, you don’t have to prove that your service caused your condition. Instead, you only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.  

Conditions Diagnosed During Active Duty or at Any Time After Separation

The VA considers these undiagnosed illnesses presumptive if you served in a recognized location, a health care provider diagnosed you while you were on active duty or at any time after separation, and you’ve been ill for at least 6 months: 

• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) 

• Fibromyalgia 

• Functional gastrointestinal disorders 

• Medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness (MUCMI) 

• Other undiagnosed illnesses, such as cardiovascular signs and symptoms, muscle and joint pain, and headaches 

Conditions Diagnosed Within 1 Year of Separation

The VA considers these infectious diseases presumptive if you served in a recognized location and a health care provider diagnosed you within 1 year of separation: 

• Brucellosis  

• Campylobacter jejuni 

• Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) 

• Malaria (or sooner in some cases) 

• Nontyphoid salmonella 

• Shigella 

• West Nile virus 

Conditions Diagnosed Any Time After Separation

The VA considers these infectious diseases presumptive if a health care provider diagnosed you any time after separation: 

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis 

• Visceral leishmaniasis 

Filing VA Claims for Gulf War Presumptive Conditions

You can file a new claim online for Gulf War presumptive diseases. You can also download VA Form 21-526EZ and file: 

By mail: 

Department of Veterans Affairs 
Claims Intake Center 
PO Box 4444 
Janesville, WI 53547-4444 

By fax: 

If you’re in the U.S., fax your application to 844-531-7818. 

If you’re outside the U.S., fax your application to 248-524-4260. 

In-person: 

Find the nearest VA regional office 

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a sleep apnea Gulf War presumptive?

No, the VA doesn’t consider sleep apnea a Gulf War presumptive. However, you may still qualify for sleep apnea VA disability benefits if you can prove your military service caused your sleep apnea.

Is IBS a Gulf War presumptive?

Yes. IBS is on the VA Gulf War presumptive conditions list.

Is diverticulitis a Gulf War presumptive?

No. Diverticulitis is not on the Gulf War presumptive conditions list.

When is the Gulf War presumptive deadline?

The Gulf War presumptive deadline to file is December 31, 2026. 

Does military service in Afghanistan qualify for Gulf War presumptives?

You may qualify for a Gulf War presumptive due to military service in Afghanistan for certain infectious diseases, including West Nile virus and malaria, but not undiagnosed illnesses or MUCMI.  

Conclusion

We understand the complex nature of applying for VA benefits. From DBQs and Nexus letters, to mental health and telemedicine evaluations, the team at Telemedica is standing by to serve you. Contact us today!