Anthrax Vaccine Side Effects VA Claims: What Veterans Need to Know

The VA can and does grant service connection for disabilities resulting from anthrax vaccine side effects, but it is not automatic. There is no blanket presumption for all conditions linked to the anthrax vaccine. Veterans must prove service connection on a case-by-case basis by showing a current diagnosed condition, evidence of receiving the vaccine, and a medical nexus linking the two.

The Role of the Anthrax Vaccine in Service

The anthrax vaccine has been a critical part of military readiness. The Department of Defense (DoD) began giving the anthrax vaccine to protect service members against anthrax disease, a serious illness caused by bacteria that could be used as a biological warfare agent .

During the Persian Gulf War, the anthrax vaccine was administered to about 150,000 troops . The military has continued to give the vaccine to personnel in higher-risk areas or with special mission roles . Active-duty service members may receive the vaccine prior to deployment to protect them from anthrax disease .

Known Side Effects of the Anthrax Vaccine

Like all vaccines, the anthrax vaccine can have adverse side effects. The risks of having an adverse reaction are far less than the risk of acquiring the anthrax disease . Many of the side effects are mild and resolve within 24 hours .

Common Side Effects

Localized side effects at the injection site can include:

• Tenderness, soreness, and redness
• Transient low-grade fever
• Muscle aches and mild pains
• Itching, and lump or bruise at the site

Other side effects can include fatigue, headaches, and low-grade fever .

Signs of a Serious Allergic Reaction

A serious allergic reaction would be noticed within a few minutes to an hour after the shot and requires immediate attention . Signs include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness or wheezing
• Hives
• Paleness or weakness
• Fast heartbeat
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness

Concerns have been raised about tainted anthrax vaccines and the addition of squalene. However, VA Public Health states that there is no evidence that squalene was added to the anthrax vaccine and that research by the World Health Organization and other public health agencies concluded that squalene was not linked to Gulf War Illness (GWI) or other health concerns .

Scientific Research: The Link to Gulf War Illness

Recent research has found a significant association between anthrax vaccination and the occurrence of Gulf War Illness (GWI). A 2024 study of Gulf War veterans found that GWI was diagnosed in 47.1% of vaccinated veterans but only in 17.2% of non-vaccinated veterans, representing an odds ratio of 3.947 and a relative risk of 2.617 .

The study also reported 1.6 times higher GWI symptom severity in vaccinated veterans . The researchers identified specific HLA Class II alleles that appear to be protective against GWI following anthrax vaccination. The absence of these protective alleles may lead to a reduced ability to develop antibodies against the anthrax protective antigen (PA), resulting in harmful PA persistence and the development of GWI .

How the VA Evaluates Anthrax Vaccine Claims

There is no specific diagnostic code for "anthrax vaccine side effects." The VA evaluates these claims based on the specific diagnosed condition and the three elements of service connection.

The Three Elements You Must Prove

1. A Current Diagnosis: You must have a formal diagnosis of a condition you believe is related to the vaccine. This can include skin disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological symptoms, or other conditions. In a 2016 case, the Board denied claims for fatigue, joint pains, and numbness in the hands because there was no competent medical evidence of a current disability manifested by these symptoms .
2. An In-Service Event: You must provide evidence that you received the anthrax vaccine during your military service. This is often documented in service treatment records. In some cases, a line of duty determination report may also confirm an "immunization reaction" .
3. A Medical Nexus: You need a medical opinion linking your current condition to the vaccine. In a 2011 case, the Board granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder because the evidence showed that the veteran's symptoms began in service and have been recurrent since service . In contrast, the Board denied claims for sleep apnea and other conditions because the VA examiner found no clinical evidence of any disease process that could be considered secondary to the anthrax vaccinations .

The Importance of Competent Medical Evidence

The Board cannot render its own medical determination. If the medical evidence is ambiguous, the Board will remand the claim for a clarifying medical opinion . For example, in a 2015 case, the Board remanded a claim for vertigo and headaches because the veteran had not been afforded a VA examination to address whether his conceded in-service injury caused residuals of the anthrax vaccine .

The VA examiner must provide a well-reasoned rationale and state whether a nexus is "at least as likely as not" (50 percent or greater probability) . An examiner's bare conclusion is not probative without a factual predicate in the record .

Filing Your Claim

Step 1: Get a Current Diagnosis

You need a formal diagnosis from a qualified medical professional.

Step 2: Prove You Received the Vaccine

Locate your service treatment records that document the anthrax vaccinations. If you cannot find records, lay statements from fellow service members who witnessed you receiving the vaccine can be used.

Step 3: Obtain a Medical Nexus

Work with a healthcare professional to obtain a nexus opinion. This can be a VA examiner or a private physician. The opinion must state that your condition is "at least as likely as not" caused by the anthrax vaccine.

Step 4: File Your Claim

You can apply online at VA.gov, by mail, in person, or with the help of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Use VA Form 21-526EZ.

Step 5: File an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966)

This locks in your claim's effective date and gives you up to one year to gather evidence.

Step 6: Report Adverse Reactions

Veterans who had an adverse reaction to the anthrax vaccine should follow up with their health care provider to submit this information to the Department of Health and Human Service's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at vaers.hhs.gov .

Can You File for Anthrax Vaccine Side Effects Under Gulf War Illness?

Yes, this is a critical pathway for veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. Since the anthrax vaccine was given to about 150,000 troops during the Gulf War, many affected veterans qualify as "Persian Gulf veterans" .

Under 38 CFR § 3.317, service connection may be granted for an undiagnosed illness or a medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness that became manifest during active service in the Southwest Asia theater or to a degree of 10% or more not later than December 31, 2016 . A 2011 Board case illustrates this: a veteran who received anthrax vaccinations and suffered adverse reactions was remanded for examination under the Gulf War Illness provisions, precisely because the symptoms could not be attributed to a known clinical diagnosis .

Realistic Veteran Scenario

Meet James, an Air Force veteran who served in the Gulf War. He received the anthrax vaccine and later developed chronic gastrointestinal issues. He filed a claim, and the VA examiner noted that a February 2003 service treatment record reflected that the Veteran had complained of nausea and vomiting. He was subsequently diagnosed with gastroenteritis and possibly GERD. The VA granted service connection because the disabilities were directly incurred in service .

FAQ: Veterans' Top Questions About Anthrax Vaccine Claims

Is there a presumption of service connection for anthrax vaccine side effects?

No. There is no blanket presumption for all conditions linked to the anthrax vaccine. You must prove service connection on a case-by-case basis.

What evidence do I need to prove I received the anthrax vaccine?

Your service treatment records are the best evidence. If they are missing, you can submit lay statements from fellow service members who witnessed you receiving the vaccine.

What are the most common side effects of the anthrax vaccine?

Common side effects include tenderness, redness, itching at the injection site, muscle aches, fatigue, and low-grade fever .

Can I file for Gulf War Illness if I had an adverse reaction to the anthrax vaccine?

Yes. If you served in the Southwest Asia theater and have an undiagnosed illness or a medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness, you may be eligible under 38 CFR § 3.317 .

How can I report an adverse reaction to the anthrax vaccine?

You can report adverse reactions to the Department of Health and Human Service's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at vaers.hhs.gov .

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal, medical, or financial advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA policies, forms, and rates change always verify current requirements and deadlines on the official VA.gov website. We strongly recommend working with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the DAV, VFW, or American Legion, or an accredited claims agent or attorney for assistance with your individual claim.