Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
DC 6354 §4.88b Musculoskeletal — Other ICD-10: R53.82 DirectPresumptive Gulf War undiagnosed illness (deadline 12/31/2026)
Gulf War presumptive.
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments (such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, confusion), or a combination of other signs and symptoms which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care |
| 60% | Symptoms which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to less than 50 percent of the pre-illness level |
| 40% | Symptoms which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to 50 to 75 percent of the pre-illness level, or; which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least six weeks total duration per year |
| 20% | Symptoms which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities by less than 25 percent of the pre-illness level, or; which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least two but less than four weeks total duration per year |
| 10% | Debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments, or other signs and symptoms which wax and wane but result in periods of incapacitation of at least one but less than two weeks total duration per year |
Filing this claim
If you have qualifying service for the Gulf War undiagnosed illness (deadline 12/31/2026) presumption, you don't need a nexus letter — file as a primary claim with proof of qualifying service and your current diagnosis. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Gather proof of qualifying service (DD-214, deployment records, etc.) — no nexus letter needed.
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.88b. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.