EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Gulf War Illness VA Disability Rating
DC 6354 | 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.1.D
Gulf War Illness VA Disability Rating is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6354 of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 across 5 severity tiers (100% -- Nearly constant, restricts activities to <50% / 60% -- Nearly constant, restricts to 50-75% / 40% -- Wax and wane, 4-6 weeks incapacitation/year / 20% -- Controlled by medication / 10% -- Mild, intermittent). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Gulf War Illness is rated under DC 6354 (CFS criteria). Under 38 C.F.R. 3.317, veterans who served in Southwest Asia after August 1990 may establish service connection for undiagnosed illnesses. The PACT Act expanded coverage.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
100% -- Nearly constant, restricts activities to <50%
Debilitating symptoms nearly constant, restricting daily activities to less than 50% of pre-illness level.
60% -- Nearly constant, restricts to 50-75%
Symptoms nearly constant, restricting to 50-75% of pre-illness level.
40% -- Wax and wane, 4-6 weeks incapacitation/year
Symptoms wax and wane with 4-6 weeks incapacitation per year.
20% -- Controlled by medication
Symptoms controlled by continuous medication.
10% -- Mild, intermittent
Symptoms wax and wane, 1-2 weeks incapacitation per year.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026