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Evidence checklist

Gulf War Illness (Undiagnosed Illness)

DC 635438 CFR § 3.317Infectious Diseases

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Primary care records documenting chronic multi-symptom illnessCritical

Records from your doctor listing all your chronic symptoms (fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, cognitive problems, GI issues) and showing they have lasted 6 months or more.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking symptoms to Southwest Asia serviceCritical

A medical opinion connecting your chronic symptoms to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. Under 38 CFR 3.317, the VA presumes certain chronic symptoms are service-connected for Gulf War veterans.

Private provider · independent opinion
Specialist evaluations for each symptom cluster

Records from specialists who evaluated each major symptom: rheumatology (pain, fatigue), neurology (headaches, cognitive), GI (digestive problems).

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Medical records ruling out other diagnosed conditionsCritical

Records showing your doctor evaluated and ruled out other specific diagnoses that could explain your symptoms. "Undiagnosed illness" means symptoms that cannot be attributed to a known clinical diagnosis.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 3 collected
Documentation of functional limitations

Records showing how your symptoms affect your ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform daily activities.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
DBQ — Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Gulf War General Medical Examination

Disability Benefits Questionnaire completed by your doctor documenting your symptom pattern, severity, and functional impact. Gulf War illness is often rated under DC 6354.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 2 collected
Deployment records confirming Southwest Asia theater serviceCritical

Military records (DD-214, deployment orders, travel records) showing you served in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, or other qualifying Southwest Asia locations.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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