Gulf War Illness (Undiagnosed Illness)

DC 6354Infectious Diseases38 CFR 3.317, rated analogous to DC 6354

A cluster of chronic unexplained symptoms that affect veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, and cognitive problems. The VA presumes these are service-connected under 38 CFR 3.317.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 6354

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 3.317, rated analogous to DC 6354. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have constant, severe Gulf War illness symptoms that prevent you from working or caring for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Near-total restriction of daily activities
Occasional inability to perform self-care
Cannot maintain gainful employment
Severe fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction
Multiple body systems impaired

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing that Gulf War illness is a presumptive condition — you do not need to prove a specific diagnosis or direct cause; you only need to show qualifying service and chronic symptoms that cannot be attributed to a known diagnosis.
⚠Filing for specific diagnoses instead of undiagnosed illness — if your symptoms do not fit a known diagnosis, filing under 38 CFR 3.317 (undiagnosed illness) may be easier to win.
⚠Not documenting your service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations — DD-214, deployment orders, and travel records are essential.
⚠Failing to report all symptoms — Gulf War illness involves multiple body systems; list every symptom even if they seem unrelated.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
DBQ Gulf War General Medical Examination

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Gulf War Illness (Undiagnosed Illness)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6354

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have constant, severe Gulf War illness symptoms that prevent you from working or caring for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Near-total restriction of daily activities
Occasional inability to perform self-care
Cannot maintain gainful employment
Severe fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction
Multiple body systems impaired

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing that Gulf War illness is a presumptive condition — you do not need to prove a specific diagnosis or direct cause; you only need to show qualifying service and chronic symptoms that cannot be attributed to a known diagnosis.

⚠Filing for specific diagnoses instead of undiagnosed illness — if your symptoms do not fit a known diagnosis, filing under 38 CFR 3.317 (undiagnosed illness) may be easier to win.

⚠Not documenting your service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations — DD-214, deployment orders, and travel records are essential.

⚠Failing to report all symptoms — Gulf War illness involves multiple body systems; list every symptom even if they seem unrelated.