The Facts
More than 600,000 men and women were deployed in the Gulf War.
Between 25% – 32% of Gulf War Veterans are reported to suffer from "Gulf War Syndrome", or some other chronic unexplained illness.
The VA prefers not to use the term Gulf War Syndrome, but instead, they refer to these symptoms as "chronic multi-symptom illness", or singularly as "undiagnosed illness" attributable to exposures during the Gulf War.
As cited by the VA, "chronic multi-symptom illness" presents as "a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms that can include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, and memory problems".
In addition, many singular "undiagnosed illnesses" have been linked to the Gulf War. One example is the connection between respiratory conditions and Burn Pit toxic exposures; Months or even years after service, veterans with no other known risk factors, report rare pulmonary issues. And that's just the beginning.
The spectrum of unexplained illnesses reported by Gulf War Veterans is vast - including insomnia, cancers, neuro-behavorial symptoms, memory loss, chronic unexplained pain, and a host of other debilitating symptoms.
In addition, many Veterans of the Gulf War were routinely given the drug Pyridostigmine Bromide (PB), taken as protection against the nerve agent Soman. It is now understood that this treatment can be toxic and linked to multiple Gulf War illnesses.
Research is evolving but it clearly supports a nexus between PB, Burn Pits, and other Airborne toxins as the potential cause of many unexplained chronic illnesses.
The VA concedes that "symptoms vary widely" as a result of Gulf War exposures and indeed, our Medical Experts have delivered numerous Nexus Opinions that support the same conclusion. Below are just a few.
Recent Gulf War Nexus Opinions
Gastroenterology - Gastritis with Chronic Multi-Symptom Illness Internal Medicine - Cause of Death - Gulf War Burn Pits Internal Medicine - Cause of Death - Chronic Multi-Symptom Illness Internal Medicine - Esophageal Achalasia Second to Gulf War Neurology - Neurological Chronic Multi-Symptom Illness, Gulf War Oncology - Lung Cancer Second to Gulf War Burn Pits Psychology - Depressive Disorder Second to Service, Gulf War Rheumatology - Chronic Multi-Symptom Illness Second to Gulf War Exposures Rheumatology - Fibromyalgia and Chronic Multi-Symptom Illness Rheumatology - RA Diverticulitis Second to Gulf War Sleep Medicine - OSA Second to Gulf War Airborne Particulates
If we can assist your efforts with Gulf War illnesses, or any other medical condition you're working to service connect, please feel free to call us or contact us through our website.