Gulf War Veterans health issues

If you served in the Gulf War in Operation Desert Shield or Operation Desert Storm anytime after August 2, 1990, you may be at risk of certain health conditions. Learn about these conditions

and what to do next to take care of your health.

The PACT Act is a new law that expands access to VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of

Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

Take these steps to make sure you’re taking care of your health:

Talk to your primary health care provider or your local VA environmental health coordinator about any health concerns related to your military service.

Ask about getting a free exam and joining these registries to document your exposures and health concerns:

Depending on your service history, you also may be automatically enrolled in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. 

Learn more about the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry

Note: Enrollment in this registry won’t affect your eligibility for VA health care or benefits.Learn how the PACT Act may affect your VA benefits and care

Learn more about toxic exposures and registries on our VET-HOME website

Find out if you can get disability compensation (monthly payments) and other benefits if you have an illness or injury caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service.

Find out if you're eligible for compensation based on one of these factors:

Exposure to burn pits or other specific environmental hazardsContact with other hazardous materials