Much of what is known about Gulf War veterans' illnesses is a result of the investment in research by the federal government. Since 1993, the Research Working Group of the Federal Interagency Persian Gulf Veterans Coordinating Board has guided the federal research program. Based on this research, Hodgson and Kipin conclude that the symptom-based conditions reported by Gulf War veterans could be treated through the use of a technique called cognitive behavioral therapy. This past year, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched the largest multisite, randomized, controlled treatment trial of the effectiveness of exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy in relieving the symptoms of ill Gulf War veterans. Despite this important step forward, the Department and its Research Working Group partners continue to explore all aspects of Gulf War veterans' illnesses.