Gulf War Illness

About this program

Gulf War Illness is compensated under VAC’s Disability Benefits program. Disability Benefits recognize and compensate for the impact of a service-related injury or illness. The amount awarded depends on the degree a condition is related to service and the severity of the condition, including its impact on quality of life.

Do you qualify?

If you have Gulf War service with the Canadian Armed Forces, and have been diagnosed with, or believe you have Gulf War Illness, you are encouraged to apply. It is important to note that, following the war, the Canadian Armed Forces continued operating in the Persian Gulf for several years. Service during this period will be assessed and verified on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about disability benefits. Review the application checklist to make sure you’ve included all the information VAC needs in your application.

It is very important that your service in the Gulf War is clearly indicated within your Disability Benefits application. Identifying Gulf War service makes sure that the application is assessed appropriately for next steps.

How to apply

Apply online

Apply online through My VAC Account. Applying is easier with a guided form. Sign in or register for My VAC Account.

Apply by mail

Download the application form. Then, mail your completed form directly to:

Veterans Affairs Canada
PO Box 6000
Matane, QC
G4W 0E4

Get help with your application

Our staff can assist you.

• Call us toll-free at 1-866-522-2122 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time)
• Send us a My VAC Account secure message
• Request an in-person appointment using our online booking form or by calling 1-866-522-2122

Frequently asked questions

Q1. What is Gulf War Illness?

A1. Gulf War Illness—also known as Gulf War Syndrome—is a chronic condition affecting many veterans of the 1990–1991 Persian Gulf War. It is characterized by a cluster of chronic symptoms that impact multiple body systems.

Commonly associated conditions and symptoms (otherwise unexplained) include:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Chronic headaches and migraines
• Mood and cognitive disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, memory impairment)
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain
• Skin symptoms
• Respiratory symptoms

Q2. How will you determine who qualifies when adjudicating a claim for Gulf War Illness?

A2. Whether you qualify is based on medical evidence and service history. No blood work or other diagnostic test are required to accompany the diagnosis. Each claim is carefully reviewed to confirm whether service caused the condition.

Your treating health professional provides the diagnosis of Gulf War Illness.

An expert nurse adjudicator then reviews:

• the application
• the medical information provided by the health professional
• the applicant’s service records and military medical file

The adjudicator determines if the condition is related to military service.

Q3. Why was my inquiry about Gulf War Illness or Gulf War service sent to a designated team?

A3. Your inquiry will be referred to a designated team because they have specific expertise in Gulf War–related matters. This helps make sure you receive timely, accurate information and clear guidance from subject matter experts. This team will review your request, determine next steps, and communicate directly with you, including any additional information or documentation that may be needed.

Q4. Why is it important to note in your application for Disability Benefits (PEN923) that you served in the Gulf War?

A4. It is very important to identify Gulf War service as it ensures that the application is routed and assessed appropriately.

Q5: What Medical Questionnaire should a Veteran receive when they submit a Disability Benefits application (PEN923) related to Gulf War Illness (GWI)?

A5. If you served in the Gulf War and you reference Gulf War Illness (GWI) in your application, the General Medical Questionnaire (PEN71) will usually be provided. This questionnaire is designed to capture impairments associated with conditions that have multi-system or global effects, such as GWI.

However, for some symptoms or conditions, the appropriate condition-specific Medical Questionnaire(s) may also be issued. The decision on which questionnaire(s) to provide is made following a thorough examination of the applicant’s file by the Specialty Team, including any existing entitled conditions that may overlap with GWI.

Q6. I already received a favorable decision for a different condition, such as Chronic Multi-symptom Illness, which is often associated with Gulf War Illness. What are my options?

A6. Disability Benefits recognizes service-related injuries and illnesses and compensates for their impact. You are welcome to apply again if you would like this condition to be recognized, or if you feel additional symptoms have developed that are not recognized in your Chronic Multi-symptom Illness.

During the assessment process, the decision-maker may consider all your medical impairment and quality of life information from your previously entitled condition. Additional compensation may not be granted if the new condition overlaps with what has already been compensated.

Q7. What if I believe my condition has worsened?

A7. If the disability for which you are receiving VAC benefits worsens and medical evidence can show this change in your condition, you can request a reassessment.

If the reassessment confirms that your condition has worsened, your disability benefit will be adjusted accordingly – unless you are already receiving the maximum amount of the benefit.

To request a reassessment, call us or visit your local VAC office.

Q8. I was previously denied under the Pension Act, but my decision was overturned, will the award be granted as a Disability Pension or as Pain and Suffering Compensation?

A8. If a previous denial made under the Pension Act is overturned, the resulting award will be a Disability Pension under the Pension Act. This is because the decision remains under the same legislation under which the original application was adjudicated.

Q9. What should I do if I previously received a decision related to Gulf War service or Gulf War Illness and would like to explore my redress options?

A9. If you have questions about your redress options, please reach out to VAC:

• Call us toll-free at 1-866-522-2122 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time)
• Send us a My VAC Account secure message
• Request an in-person appointment using our online booking form or by calling 1-866-522-2122

Your request will be sent to the designated team for review. This team has the expertise to conduct a detailed review of your file and determine the most appropriate course of action.

If you do not agree with the decision made regarding your application for disability benefits, you may request a Departmental review. Learn more about reviews and appeals.