The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and National Institute of Health (NIH) have announced they will be conducting a five-year long study into the condition known as Gulf War Illness, or Gulf War Syndrome, as it is commonly known. This study is meant to look into the varied symptoms of the illness, which affects nearly a third of the 700,000 people who served during the Gulf War. The goal is to uncover the cause of the disease, and develop treatments for those who have suffered with disabilities related to Gulf War Syndrome.
What is Gulf War Syndrome?
Gulf War Syndrome is a medical condition that affects or affected hundreds of thousands of veterans of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. Despite how common it is among veterans of the Gulf War, the condition itself is poorly understood, and treatment for the condition has remained difficult. This has left many veterans with severe disabilities that have plagued them for decades.
What Are the Symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome?
Gulf War Syndrome has a wide variety of symptoms, which often seem unrelated to each other. The condition is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms, including fatigue, headache, memory problems, cognitive difficulties, joint and muscle pain, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory problems. Doctors struggle to treat the disease, which often proves resistant to common forms of medical treatment.
How Will the Study Be Conducted?
Veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness can seek to participate in the study, which will be conducted over 14-day periods in which they will be tested for symptoms, including responses to certain types of physical stress. A focus will be placed on immune system and autonomic nervous system issues, as well as issues related to the body’s energy production pathways, which are believed to be related to Gulf War Syndrome. This methodology has been used to study other chronic diseases, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
How Could This Affect You?
If you or someone you love is suffering from Gulf War Syndrome, this study may be a way for people to get the answers they have been hoping to get for decades. It may also help to treat their conditions to alleviate the suffering they have gone through as a result of their disabilities. That way, they can live happier and more peaceful lives, without the pain and suffering caused by this chronic illness.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
