Discusses a model for the clinical management of medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) in Persian Gulf War veterans. The model identifies predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors contributing to the emergence and clinical course of MUPS. Predisposing factors, which render individuals more susceptible to MUPS, include heredity, biological diathesis, early-life adversity, chronic illness, and chronic distress or mental illness. Precipitating factors include biological stress, acute physical illness, psychological stressors, acute psychiatric disorders, and epidemic health concerns. Perpetuating factors include harmful illness beliefs, labeling effects, misinformation, workplace and social support factors, negative health habits, chronic illness, and poor integration in the treatment system. It is concluded that the collaborative model for managing MUPS reduces distress and assists in the rehabilitation of Gulf War veterans.