57 results found

1. VA Needs to start evaluating vets from that era for TBI since it was not done.I just found this out after 8 years of being medical discharge

   VA Needs to start checking vets for TBI who are experiencing seizures and tennitis. I just found this out after being medically discharged from the Army 8 years ago.

   41 votes

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   completed  ·  2 comments  ·  Gulf War Illness  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →

2. I have an unknown neuromuscular disorder

   I had plenty of problems during my Active DUTY in the US ARMY but wanted to stay in. I was medically discharged. I was being treated for Myasthenia Gravis this year but months later a differ Neurologist said it wasn't. I'm very concerned. I registered at the VA I was asked a few questions about TBI no scans, x-rays, mri nothing. I had a Asthma attack 2 months ago. When I first was in I had no breathing problems. Now my breathing is severe. It sucks. My MOS was 13B Field Artillery. I had a foot surgery in the ARMY I still have severe foot pain. I hope to get a diagnoses soon. Please send VETS more info on these autoimmune diseases, metabolic myopthy, disorders etc.

   I had plenty of problems during my Active DUTY in the US ARMY but wanted to stay in. I was medically discharged. I was being treated for Myasthenia Gravis this year but months later a differ Neurologist said it wasn't. I'm very concerned. I registered at the VA I was asked a few questions about TBI no scans, x-rays, mri nothing. I had a Asthma attack 2 months ago. When I first was in I had no breathing problems. Now my breathing is severe. It sucks. My MOS was 13B Field Artillery. I had a foot surgery in the ARMY… more

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3. Noticed that the report doesn't open on the page that allows comments. Can you fix so we can comment? All I get is a server error.

   Tried several times to get to the URL that allows you to comment. Problem is, once you click on the report hyperlink, a blank page opens up and then an error dialog box opens up. Can the script be checked so comments to the draft report can occur?

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   completed  ·  4 comments  ·  Gulf War Illness  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →

4. Homeopathic Treatment must be Accessable for GWI

   For 20 long mostly miserable and nerve racking years, I was told that all of my aches and pains and suffering was because I had PTSD from Desert Storm. My journey was filled with nightmares and actual pain physical. Every muscle and tendon in my body was on fire from the inside. I have been depressed beyond my wildest dreams or nightmares I should say. I have been extremely on edge. Ready to pounce on anyone , not nice at all. I went from job to job, relationship to relationship with extreme anger. I have brain damage from Desert Storm I have brain damage from DEsert STorm. From all the chemicals I was forced to live a life that wAs not me, I was negatively affected so bad that many times I thought of killing myself, sad but true. I never trust anyone and am always filled with a combination of DEath and despair. I can see nothing but death on a daily basis. I expect to die of a terrible brain disease anytime. My worst nightmare is that I have passed this on to my daughter. She is only 3 but I wonder if I have crippled her brain because of my exposure to War, she gets really really upset and has a skin rash dermatologist can't help with. M y wife is loosing her hair and we don't know why??? I think that THe Taskforce for Desert Storm should be open to the idea of combined procedures of different specialist doctors. Combine the Mind, Body , Spirit connection. We need to heal the mind . We need to get nutrients to our cells overload with antioxidants, proteins, and food for our brain. I Am desperate to some day have a normal life please help bring the scientific community combined with homeopathic and faith based information , along with therapies thAt have possibly worked for VEts to relax them and help enrich their lives and beat Brain DAmage..

   For 20 long mostly miserable and nerve racking years, I was told that all of my aches and pains and suffering was because I had PTSD from Desert Storm. My journey was filled with nightmares and actual pain physical. Every muscle and tendon in my body was on fire from the inside. I have been depressed beyond my wildest dreams or nightmares I should say. I have been extremely on edge. Ready to pounce on anyone , not nice at all. I went from job to job, relationship to relationship with extreme anger. I have brain damage from Desert Storm… more

   31 votes

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   completed  ·  4 comments  ·  Gulf War Illness  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →

5. toxicity of Patriot and MLRS propellants

   Where is the research into propellants used for patriot and MLRS weapons systems, and the affects on surrounding military personnel, especially those troops doing physical security around these batteries or conducting missions around missile volleys air and ground war.

   19 votes

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6. Contact local groups dav, vfw,american legion ,etc.

   We need to unite speak as one group not 15 groups. Some groups undermine other groups but we have the same goal.

   15 votes

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   completed  ·  7 comments  ·  Gulf War Illness  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →

7. Merging Ideas

   The GWVI-TF would like to thank all of the users who have visited (over 2000 visits since starting) and registered (over 160 to date) in support of the TF's efforts to better support Gulf War Veterans.

   In an effort to begin organizing all the input, we will be merging some of the ideas being generated with the most closely aligned report section idea.

   Rest assured that all the original ideas and comments remain intact in the background. The software running this website merges the comments, votes, and followers to the idea that remains visible.

   A comment will be posted under this idea listing each specific merger, the number of comments that moved, and the number of votes that moved.

   The GWVI-TF would like to thank all of the users who have visited (over 2000 visits since starting) and registered (over 160 to date) in support of the TF's efforts to better support Gulf War Veterans.

   In an effort to begin organizing all the input, we will be merging some of the ideas being generated with the most closely aligned report section idea.

   Rest assured that all the original ideas and comments remain intact in the background. The software running this website merges the comments, votes, and followers to the idea that remains visible.

   A comment will be posted under… more

   10 votes

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8. DOD/DOA Civilians who did tours of duty in Desert Storm/Shield feel forgotten and left out.

   As a DOA civilian who did 2 tours of duty in Desert Storm/Shield (along with many other civilians), seems we were left out on many aspects of GWI program. From alerting us about studies, care, info on what to do, issues we have/are dealing with..and this study because we weren't Act. Duty or Reservists. I scanned the report but it is unclear impacts or guidance will be for all of the DOD/DOA civilians who were on orders. I thought these odd things happening to me, was only happening to me. Turns out...they were text book symptoms of the GWI. Had my supervisor, by shear accident, in a new duty location not brought up the Gulf War, I would not have known of the Landstuhl Army hospital GWI physical, on the last day to apply...after the war concluded. I wonder how many civilians did not know a study and exam was happening? How many think their illnesses/issues are something just happening to them? How many know what is being done on this front for anyone else? DOD should have contacted all branches, to get, and keep on file a listing of DOD (and AAFES) Civilians to keep contact on any backgrounds, medical histories, GWI studies, exams, guidance and health service programs on GWI. For me, I was all over the theater and around during much of the detonation of excess ordinance. We stood shoulder to shoulder proudly with those in uniform..yet..even the wording in the report..feel again forgotten about. So, what about us? I continue to work..but I have no idea what I services can be provided for me (or all my civilian peers) for having served in the Gulf War.

   As a DOA civilian who did 2 tours of duty in Desert Storm/Shield (along with many other civilians), seems we were left out on many aspects of GWI program. From alerting us about studies, care, info on what to do, issues we have/are dealing with..and this study because we weren't Act. Duty or Reservists. I scanned the report but it is unclear impacts or guidance will be for all of the DOD/DOA civilians who were on orders. I thought these odd things happening to me, was only happening to me. Turns out...they were text book symptoms of the GWI. Had… more

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9. No mention of funding in the report - Anywhere

   The report only mentions curatives for communication and statistical metrics within govt. How does that equate to compensating the suffering? With no real fiduciary committment, the report is just hollow promises. Please tell me this isn't so.. Can we not cancel one weapons dev project to do the right thing by our loyal troops?

   ???

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   completed  ·  3 comments  ·  Gulf War Illness  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →

10. Veteran Benefits: Delivering Compensation and Pension and Fiduciary Services

    As research and environmental study evolves or new legislative and regulatory provisions are written regarding illnesses for Gulf War Veterans, the VA Compensation Service of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) performs necessary rule-making and develops field training to support the changes. To further assist Gulf War Veterans, Compensation Service developed two training letters designed to inform and instruct regional office personnel on development and adjudication of disability claims based on Southwest Asia service. VA also completed a regulation to add functional gastrointestinal disorders to the list of disabilities that are presumed to have resulted from service in the Gulf War. The final rule was published and became effective on August 15, 2011. VBA continues to work with the VA/DoD Deployment Health Working Group to identify environmental exposures whether related to the Gulf War or elsewhere. Finally, VBA worked with the VHA on an effort to develop and execute a separation health assessment with DoD, an effort that is intended to reduce the future burden of proving service connection that Veterans often must bear when seeking recognition for exposure-related illnesses and injuries years after service.

    Please provide your comments, questions, and suggestion on how we may improve the Veterans Benefits section of the report.

    As research and environmental study evolves or new legislative and regulatory provisions are written regarding illnesses for Gulf War Veterans, the VA Compensation Service of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) performs necessary rule-making and develops field training to support the changes. To further assist Gulf War Veterans, Compensation Service developed two training letters designed to inform and instruct regional office personnel on development and adjudication of disability claims based on Southwest Asia service. VA also completed a regulation to add functional gastrointestinal disorders to the list of disabilities that are presumed to have resulted from service in the Gulf War.… more

    168 votes

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11. VA's had more than 20 years to get their hand's off of their 3rd point of contact and do something positive for a change about this Nation

    Draft Gulf War Task Force Report, dated 21 October, 2011

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12. Veteran Outreach: Getting Out the Word and Listening to the Feedback

    VA is dedicated to improving the lives of Veterans of all eras and their eligible family members and survivors by providing them with the benefits and services they have earned. As research shows there is a lack of awareness when it comes to specific services, and Gulf War Veterans continue to require and rightfully expect timely and accurate information about VA's efforts to support them, VA has worked to develop a proactive and systematic effort for providing this important information and assistance on VA's services and benefits. As a clearinghouse of Gulf War Veterans Illnesses (GWVI) information, VA maintained the Gulf War Veterans Illnesses website www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/ as a source of information for Veterans, Healthcare Providers, and other Stakeholders. VA conducted a number of GWVI specific outreach events and published news releases for key events during the past year. Moving forward, VA's outreach efforts for GWVI will increasingly leverage evolving technology and social media and work to significantly improve transparency regarding VA's work for this important Veteran population.

    Please provide your comments, questions, and suggestion on how we may improve the Veteran Outreach section of the report

    VA is dedicated to improving the lives of Veterans of all eras and their eligible family members and survivors by providing them with the benefits and services they have earned. As research shows there is a lack of awareness when it comes to specific services, and Gulf War Veterans continue to require and rightfully expect timely and accurate information about VA's efforts to support them, VA has worked to develop a proactive and systematic effort for providing this important information and assistance on VA's services and benefits. As a clearinghouse of Gulf War Veterans Illnesses (GWVI) information, VA maintained the… more

    75 votes

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13. Clinical Care: Leveraging Veteran-Centric Specialty Services in Primary Care

    One of the most substantial additions to the framework is the Clinical Care line of effort. Clinical health care for Gulf War Veterans is one of the most critical services VA can provide. This line of action is directly supported by Clinical Education and Training to ensure VA providers are well prepared to care for this population. Clinical care also benefits from research and development and Ongoing Scientific Review and Surveillance which inform and direct the best in evidence-based healthcare. The GWVI-TF has developed a prototype for a networked Gulf War Clinic which will be implemented at the Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the coming year. The clinic will link subject matter experts and clinical specialists with primary care providers to optimize the care delivered to these patients. Teaching aids, referral networks, and other collaborative processes will be exercised in this effort.

    Please provide your comments, questions, and suggestion on how we may improve the Clinical Care section of the report.

    One of the most substantial additions to the framework is the Clinical Care line of effort. Clinical health care for Gulf War Veterans is one of the most critical services VA can provide. This line of action is directly supported by Clinical Education and Training to ensure VA providers are well prepared to care for this population. Clinical care also benefits from research and development and Ongoing Scientific Review and Surveillance which inform and direct the best in evidence-based healthcare. The GWVI-TF has developed a prototype for a networked Gulf War Clinic which will be implemented at the Salt Lake… more

    28 votes

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14. Ongoing Scientific Review and Surveillance: Taking Advantage of Untapped Sources of Data Related to Veterans’ Health

    Ongoing scientific review is critical to understanding the environment that impacts health. There are Veterans’ health-related data available from sources other than studies conducted by VA. Having access to and understanding these data sources is important in comprehending the complex array of adverse health effects associated with deployment. VA has developed and maintained active participation in ongoing longitudinal reviews and surveillance projects including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics’ National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the Department of Defense Millennium Cohort Study, and the VA National Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans. These programs help VA identify Gulf War Veteran health trends through focused comparisons with broader populations. VA has also engaged in more focused surveillance and epidemiologic learning regarding Gulf War through the additional study of Neurological Disease, a 30,000 Veteran study of 1990-1991 Gulf War Veterans, and ongoing Depleted Uranium and Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center and Registry work. Much of this work is longitudinal in nature (some continuing out into 2022), but results and findings from some are expected to be published in peer reviewed publications in the coming year.

    Please provide your comments, questions, and suggestion on how we may improve the Ongoing Scientific Review and Surveillance section of the report.

    Ongoing scientific review is critical to understanding the environment that impacts health. There are Veterans’ health-related data available from sources other than studies conducted by VA. Having access to and understanding these data sources is important in comprehending the complex array of adverse health effects associated with deployment. VA has developed and maintained active participation in ongoing longitudinal reviews and surveillance projects including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics’ National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the Department of Defense Millennium Cohort Study, and the VA National Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans. These… more

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15. Partnerships: Improved Data Sharing with the Department of Defense (DoD)

    DoD and VA provide health care and benefits to the same population at different times in their lives. Environmental exposures occur during active duty whereas the potential clinical consequences can manifest later when the former service member is a Veteran. For this reason it is critical that VA and DoD share clinical and exposure data. The GWVI-TF continued to build robust relationships with DoD, through such forums as the Deployment Health Working Group, to ensure timely and thorough access to data related to military service. The experiences of the Gulf War Veterans continue to influence the development of ongoing data sharing efforts with DoD which should aid both Gulf War Veterans as well as generations of Veterans who follow.

    Please provide your comments, questions, and suggestion on how we may improve the Partnerships section of the report

    DoD and VA provide health care and benefits to the same population at different times in their lives. Environmental exposures occur during active duty whereas the potential clinical consequences can manifest later when the former service member is a Veteran. For this reason it is critical that VA and DoD share clinical and exposure data. The GWVI-TF continued to build robust relationships with DoD, through such forums as the Deployment Health Working Group, to ensure timely and thorough access to data related to military service. The experiences of the Gulf War Veterans continue to influence the development of ongoing data… more

    37 votes

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16. Clinical Education and Training: Putting Clinical Knowledge into Practice

    The GWVI-TF Clinical Education and Training effort focused on improving the VA’s ability to put critical clinical knowledge and expertise at the point of care. Where the Clinical Care work was aimed at synchronizing specialty and primary health care, this effort was in direct support, providing necessary clinical education, training, and subject matter expertise. The Veterans health Administration (VHA) Office of Public Health created a series of training modules now universally available online for patients and clinicians. Additionally, VA hosted a series of exposure seminars to enhance clinician knowledge about the health impacts of various environmental exposures. In the coming year, again in direct support of Clinical Care, this effort will publish an environmental health pocket card for primary care providers and collaborate in the formal development/improvement of a three tiered network of care presented in the prototype clinic for Gulf War health care.

    <p><strong>Please provide your comments, questions, and suggestion on how we may improve the Clinical Education and Training section of the report.</strong></p>

    The GWVI-TF Clinical Education and Training effort focused on improving the VA’s ability to put critical clinical knowledge and expertise at the point of care. Where the Clinical Care work was aimed at synchronizing specialty and primary health care, this effort was in direct support, providing necessary clinical education, training, and subject matter expertise. The Veterans health Administration (VHA) Office of Public Health created a series of training modules now universally available online for patients and clinicians. Additionally, VA hosted a series of exposure seminars to enhance clinician knowledge about the health impacts of various environmental exposures. In the coming… more

    36 votes

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17. Research and Development: Encouraging Targeted Efforts

    Through the Office of Research & Development (ORD), VA funds research that will further the goal of improving the health and lives of Veterans who have GWVI, the complex of chronic symptoms that affect Veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War. To improve specific management of the GWVI portfolio of research, ORD actively pursued staffing additions to support these efforts. ORD continued to support and advertise requests for proposals for GWVI research and collaborate with VA, DOD, and other research activities through professional collaboration events and forums. Additionally, with support from the Gulf War Research Steering Committee and input from the Research Advisory Council for Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses, a GWVI Research Strategic Plan was drafted. This plan, combined with the targeted staffing changes, is expected to provide focus and accountability in this research portfolio.

    Please provide your comments, questions, and suggestion on how we may improve the Research and Development section of the report.

    Through the Office of Research & Development (ORD), VA funds research that will further the goal of improving the health and lives of Veterans who have GWVI, the complex of chronic symptoms that affect Veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War. To improve specific management of the GWVI portfolio of research, ORD actively pursued staffing additions to support these efforts. ORD continued to support and advertise requests for proposals for GWVI research and collaborate with VA, DOD, and other research activities through professional collaboration events and forums. Additionally, with support from the Gulf War Research Steering Committee and input from the… more

    26 votes

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