Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Gulf War?
   
   
2. What research is VA and other Federal agencies conducting on the health effects of the Gulf War?
   
   
3. How can I get compensation benefits as a Gulf War Veteran?
   
   
4. What education benefits are available to Gulf War Veterans?
   
   
5. Who can I contact to get additional information?
   
   

1.  What is the Gulf War?

The first Gulf War was sparked by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990. The United States deployed military units to Saudi Arabia as a part of Operation Desert Shield, while the United Nations formed a coalition of nearly three dozen member states. The United States led the fighting, known as Operation Desert Storm, which began in January 1991. By February 28, 1991, the war was over. An official cease-fire was signed in April 1991, and the last US troops who participated in the ground war returned home on June 13, 1991. In all, about 697,000 US troops had been deployed to the Gulf region during the first Gulf War.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is creating a new group of Gulf War veterans.

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2.  What research is VA and other Federal agencies conducting on the health effects of the Gulf War?

VA and other Federal government Departments and agencies have and continue to conduct an extensive amount of research evaluating the health effects of service in the Gulf during Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Learn more about research on health effects of Gulf War service.

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3.  How can I get compensation benefits as a Gulf War Veteran?

Veterans who have a service-related disability and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions may be eligible for benefits. For Gulf War veterans, VA presumes certain illnesses as associated with military service in the Gulf.

Learn more about disability compensation benefits and how to apply.

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4.  What education benefits are available to Gulf War Veterans?

VA offers education benefits to qualified veterans, servicemembers, and reservists through the following programs:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
• Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

Learn more about education benefits and how to apply.

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5.  Who can I contact to get additional information?

Call the toll-free helpline 1-800-749-8387 for help with VA health care, compensation, and other benefits for Gulf War veterans. Call 1-800-829-4833, if you are hearing impaired. Also, for health care benefits and registry examinations, you may directly contact the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate at your nearest VA medical facility.

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