FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2025
CDC Formally Recognizes Gulf War Illness With ICD-10 Diagnostic Code
New classification improves clinical care and claim support for affected veterans
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has formally recognized Gulf War Illness (GWI) with the assignment of an official International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) diagnostic code, effective October 1, 2025.
This marks a historic step forward in the recognition, research, and treatment of health conditions experienced by more than 250,000 veterans nationwide, including many here in Louisiana, who served in the 1990–1991 Gulf War. The new code allows healthcare providers to formally diagnose the condition, improving access to care and disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Gulf War Illness refers to a chronic multisymptom illness associated with exposure to hazardous substances and environmental toxins during military service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. Veterans affected by GWI commonly experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, pain, memory problems, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory complications that cannot be explained by other medical conditions.
The official ICD-10 designation establishes a standardized diagnosis across medical systems, allowing more consistent documentation, data collection, and research into effective treatments. It also strengthens the ability for veterans to substantiate service-connected disability claims related to Gulf War Illness.
“This decision reflects long-awaited acknowledgement of the serious health conditions endured by many Gulf War veterans,” said Dr. Jerome Buller, Deputy Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. “Louisiana’s veterans deserve access to proper medical evaluation, care and benefits—and LDVA is ready to assist every veteran affected by Gulf War Illness.”
Veterans who served in the Gulf War and are experiencing chronic, unexplained symptoms are encouraged to reach out for support. LDVA’s Veteran Assistance Counselors are available across the state to help veterans file claims, access healthcare, and learn about new eligibility pathways related to Gulf War Illness.
Veterans may locate their nearest counselor by visiting: https://vetaffairs.la.gov/locations
For more information and resources on Gulf War Illness:
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