The problems of robust stability and robust stabilization of uncertain neutral systems with distributed delays are studied in this paper. Using a combination of integral inequality technique and descriptor system approach, new delay-dependent sufficient conditions for robust stability and robust stabilization are formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). LMI-based conditions are also derived for robust stability and robust stabilizability of uncertain distributed-delay systems when the distributed delay belongs to a given interval. When the results obtained in this paper are applied to stabilization of combustion in the chamber of a liquid monopropellant rocket motor, it is found that the combustion can be robustly stabilized over larger variation intervals of pressure parameter and time-delay parameter than those obtained in Zheng and Frank [(2002). Robust control of uncertain distributed delay systems with application to the stabilization of combustion in rocket motor chambers. Autornatica, 38, 487-497]. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.