Canada recognizes Gulf War Illness
May 1, 2026 2 min read
he Government of Canada has formally recognized Gulf War Illness as a diagnosable condition for disability benefit applications.
The Government of Canada has formally recognized Gulf War Illness as a diagnosable condition for disability benefit applications, an important step for veterans who served in the 1990–91 Gulf War and their families.
More than 4,000 Canadian Armed Forces members served as part of Operation Friction. In the years since, many have experienced complex, chronic health symptoms linked to their service.
Gulf War Illness has historically been assessed under broader categories, making it more difficult for some veterans to access recognition and support. Recent developments have helped change that:
- In Oct. 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized the condition as linked to Gulf War deployment.
- On Dec. 2, 2025, Canada followed with formal recognition through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
- As of April 1, 2026, it now has its own diagnostic code in Canada, developed with the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
VAC has also introduced a streamlined adjudication process for Persian Gulf War veterans.
Our association will continue to monitor developments and advocate for timely access to benefits, care and recognition for all veterans.
For more information on available supports, members are encouraged to visit the VAC disability benefits hub.
Relevant Links
