Public Health
Gulf War Registry Health Exam for Veterans
VA’s Gulf War Registry Health Exam alerts Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to environmental exposures during their military service. The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively.
Contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator about getting a Gulf War Registry health exam.
About the Gulf War Registry health exam
This comprehensive health exam includes an exposure and medical history, laboratory tests, and a physical exam. A VA health professional will discuss the results face-to-face with the Veteran and in a follow-up letter.
Important points about registry health exams
- Free to eligible Veterans and no co-payment
- Not a disability compensation exam or required for other VA benefits
- Enrollment in VA's health care system not necessary
- Based on Veterans’ recollection of service, not on their military records
- Veterans should follow up with their primary care provider for care and treatment if new problems develop
- Veterans' family members are not eligible for registry exams
Eligibility for Gulf War Registry health exam
- Southwest Asia theater of operations, including Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and The United Arab Emirates
- Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf and Red Sea
- Airspace associated with the above locations
You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to take part.
Burn Pit Registry
Veterans who are eligible for the Gulf War Registry may also join the redesigned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR 2.0), which includes additional data related to airborne hazards.
Veterans and Service members who meet eligibility criteria -- per DOD records – will be automatically enrolled in AHOBPR 2.0. Learn more about the redesigned registry.
Interested in disability compensation?
The registry evaluation is separate from VA’s disability compensation process.
Veterans who want to be considered for disability compensation for health problems related to Gulf War service must file a claim for disability compensation.
During the claims process, VA will set up a separate exam for compensation if necessary.