Overview
On October 1, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a formal medical diagnostic code for Gulf War Illness (GWI). This recognition provides official validation for a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms affecting hundreds of thousands of Veterans who served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
Background
Nearly 700,000 men and women served in the Persian Gulf during August 1990 – February 1991. According to a 2020 Department of Defense report, GWI is estimated to affect 175,000 to 250,000 Veterans deployed to the Gulf War theater.
Symptoms
GWI presents as chronic multi-symptom illness with symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia (widespread muscle pain)
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Respiratory disorders
- Skin rashes
- Memory and concentration difficulties
- Headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness
Epidemiology
GWI affects Veterans who served in the Army and Marine Corps at higher rates than those who served in the Navy and Air Force. Enlisted personnel are affected more than officers. Rates vary by deployment location, with highest rates among troops serving near combat areas.
Related Research
- collaborative-specialty-care-gwi — Tele-Collaborative Specialty Care study (June 2020 – May 2026)
- listening-to-gulf-war-vets — Patient-centered research amplifying Veteran voices
- mindfulness-intervention-gwi — Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction trial results
- systematic-review-gwi-interventions — Evidence synthesis of therapeutic interventions for GWI