Gulf War Veterans who develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) do not have to prove a connection between their illnesses and military service to be eligible to receive VA disability compensation. CFS must have emerged during active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations or by December 31, 2016, and be at least 10 percent disabling.

About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

CFS is an unexplained, severe and persistent fatigue that is not helped by rest. There may be flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, swollen lymph glands, low-grade fever, headache, muscle pain, and poor sleep. CFS often limits the person’s previous ability to carry on daily activities.

At this time, the cause is unknown. Because there is no definitive test, CFS is difficult to diagnose, although the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control has developed a set of diagnostic criteria. Patients may undergo a variety of tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.

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