Disability Benefits for Gulf War Veterans
From Operation Desert Storm to the present day, the hundreds of thousands of U.S. military veterans who have served in the Middle East since August 2, 1990, are considered Gulf War veterans by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
In addition to PTSD and other disabilities resulting from their service, many veterans from this period deal with a variety of unexplained illnesses and conditions collectively known as “Gulf War Syndrome.” These conditions often present a wide variety of symptoms that make them difficult to diagnose, causing added frustration and stress for Gulf War veterans who need treatment and benefits for their illnesses.
The dedicated veterans disability lawyers at Rob Levine Law understand the unique challenges Gulf War veterans face when seeking VA benefits. We’re committed to getting veterans like you the benefits they deserve. Contact us online or call (800) 742-3920 today for a free consultation.
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Last Updated:
October 2, 2025
Table of Contents
- What Types of Disability Benefits Are Available for Gulf War Veterans?
- Eligibility for Gulf War Veteran Disability Benefits
- How to Apply for Disability Benefits for Gulf War Veterans
- Common Challenges in the Claims Process for Gulf War Veterans
- Why Choose Rob Levine Law for Your Gulf War Veteran Disability Benefits Case?
- Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
- Gulf War Veterans Benefits FAQs
What Types of Disability Benefits Are Available for Gulf War Veterans?
All U.S. veterans are potentially eligible for a range of benefits, including the following:
- Disability compensation
- Health care coverage
- Pension and Aid and Attendance benefits
- Home loan assistance
- Education, training, and job assistance programs
- Burial costs
- Life insurance benefits
- Special monthly compensation, or SMC, for those with severe disabilities
Speak with one of our Veterans Disability Lawyers to see if you’re eligible for Disability compensation.
Gulf War veterans can have an easier time accessing health care and disability benefits when dealing with certain conditions that fall under Gulf War Syndrome, as well as conditions tied to burn pit exposure.
Eligibility for Gulf War Veteran Disability Benefits
To qualify for veterans’ disability benefits, you must have a health condition related to your military service and a discharge status other than dishonorable. Veterans must typically prove a connection between their disability and their service. However, the VA considers some “presumptive conditions” to be service-connected in certain circumstances without further proof.
For Gulf War veterans, presumptive conditions include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, functional gastrointestinal disorders, other undiagnosed “Gulf War illnesses,” and certain infectious diseases.
Cancers, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other illnesses are also presumed to be related to burn pit or toxin exposure for many Gulf War veterans. Under the PACT Act, this presumption applies to all veterans who served in the following locations on or after August 2, 1990:
- Arabian Sea
- Bahrain
- Gulf of Aden
- Gulf of Oman
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Persian Gulf
- Qatar
- Red Sea
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- United Arab Emirates
- The airspace above any of these listed countries
- The “neutral zone” between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
How to Apply for Disability Benefits for Gulf War Veterans
The VA allows you to submit a disability benefits application online, in person, or through the mail. While applying online is the fastest method, working with an experienced veterans disability lawyer can help you maximize your chances of success while minimizing any stress related to the process.
Local Veterans Service Organizations, or VSOs, can also assist you with your application. Some prominent VSOs include:
Common Challenges in the Claims Process for Gulf War Veterans
Certain issues tend to affect many Gulf War veterans when applying for VA disability benefits, including:
- Difficulty proving exposure: Before the PACT Act expanded the presumptive conditions that apply to Gulf War veterans, it could be challenging to prove you served near a burn pit or other source of toxicity.
- Undiagnosed illnesses: Gulf War Syndrome is a blanket term for several different conditions and symptoms that don’t seem to be clearly tied to any condition in particular, potentially making a diagnosis difficult.
- Secondary conditions: Many service-related disabilities also cause or contribute to other “secondary” conditions. While secondary conditions can lead to a higher disability rating and greater compensation, they can also complicate the application process.
- Appeals backlog: Gulf War veterans often face multiple denials before having their claims approved, forcing them to navigate the complicated and overloaded appeals process.
- Younger veterans still in the workforce: Successfully applying for a disability that allows you to continue working can be complicated.
Why Choose Rob Levine Law for Your Gulf War Veteran Disability Benefits Case?
Having proudly served in the National Guard and as a military police officer, Rob Levine appreciates the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Over more than 25 years of practicing veterans disability law, Rob Levine Law has helped more than 50,000 clients recover over $2 billion in injury compensation and disability benefits.
Our dedicated veterans benefits team is available 24/7 to take your call and answer your questions. If you or a loved one needs help securing Gulf War veterans disability benefits, we’re ready to work tirelessly to get you the results you deserve. Contact us online or call (800) 742-3920 today for a free consultation.
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
Addressing All Concerns with Expertise
I had a wonderful and thorough experience regarding my conversation with Joanne Matito about my VA benefits. She addressed all of my concerns regarding my benefits, my denied compensation, and what would happen next should your firm take my case. Joanne was clear and precise with her instructions, and I would just like to thank her for reaching out to me.
Elton E.
Going Above and Beyond for Veterans' Rights
Excellent service for us veterans. Way more kind and helpful than our own VA doctors. The VA tries to push you through just to get a check, but these guys actually want to help you get the benefits we deserve. Joanne did her job very well and went above and beyond anyone else I’ve seen, heard from, or heard of.
Kevin M.
Truly Caring for Veterans' Benefits
I thought it was too good to be true, but it’s true. Rob Levine Law truly cares about their fellow veterans and works hard to get them the benefits they deserve.
Owen P.
Gulf War Veterans Benefits FAQs
What Is Gulf War Illness, and How Does the VA Recognize It?
“Gulf War Syndrome” is a collection of medically unexplained conditions associated with military service in the Middle East. Gulf War illnesses are “presumptive conditions” that the VA automatically considers service-connected, allowing vets to more easily access disability compensation.
Which Countries Count as the “Southwest Asia Theater of Operations” for VA Presumptive Benefits?
According to the VA, Gulf War veterans served in the following countries:
- Bahrain
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- The United Arab Emirates
- The neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
- The Gulf of Aden
- The Gulf of Oman
- The Persian Gulf
- The Arabian Sea
- The Red Sea
- The airspace above these locations
Does the PACT Act Cover Me if I Deployed After Operation Desert Storm?
The PACT Act applies to anyone who served in combat during or after the Vietnam War and anyone who was deployed in support of the Global War on Terror. However, it also broadly applies to anyone exposed to toxins during military service, whether in the U.S. or elsewhere.
How Long Do Gulf War Veterans Have to File for Presumptive Condition Benefits?
To benefit from the presumption for certain infectious diseases, you must be diagnosed within a year of separating from the military. There is no deadline for applying for disability benefits over other presumptive conditions, but you must experience Gulf War Syndrome symptoms for six months or more before the presumption kicks in.
What if I Have Symptoms That Aren't on the Official VA List?
With the right diagnosis, you may still be eligible for disability benefits. Our knowledgeable veterans disability attorneys can help you find the right medical provider and determine how to proceed.
Can I Receive Disability Benefits if My Gulf War Illness Symptoms Appeared Years After Service?
Yes, the only requirement for the Gulf War Syndrome presumption is that your symptoms have persisted for at least six months.
Do Gulf War Veterans Qualify for Expanded Mental Health Services Through the VA?
Gulf War veterans can be eligible for mental health services through the VA, including some services that are still available regardless of whether you qualify for VA health care benefits.
I Was Previously Denied Benefits. Can The PACT Act Help Me Get My Claim Re-Evaluated?
If your application was denied because of insufficient evidence tying your condition to your service, additional presumptive conditions added by the PACT Act might help you qualify. Our experienced veterans disability lawyers can help you evaluate your options.
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