Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and multiple sclerosis
This report stated that the "ORD is committed to funding research that improves VA’s understanding and ability to treat illnesses, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which may occur at higher prevalence in Gulf War Veterans". I would like to focus, in particular, on the diagnosis of ALS at much higher rates than other veteran population groups in general. As a registered nurse at a private hospital I personally witnessed the terminal wean of a Gulf veteran with ALS. As a VA employee, I witnessed the effects of this diagnosis, and subsequent death, on a fellow VA employee who was a Gulf War veteran.
Prior studies by the VA indicated that we (Gulf War (GW) Veterans) had as much as a 2 to 4 times greater risk of developing this disease than the general population. Yet, the VA has opened the gates for service-connection for ALS to essentially all veterans because of a one-times greater risk for "all" veterans. In so doing the VA has minimalized the stark chasm between the rate of this disease in GW vets versus other veteran population groups. The VA should conduct the necessary research into the cause or causes of this disease in GW vets (MS as well), in particular. This may provide an explanation for other unexplained illnesses from which we suffer. Certainly the other veteran groups should also be service-connected for this disease, but please don't ignore the obvious distinction between the rate of incurrance for other veteran populations and the GW veterans.
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Anonymous commented
Why do any study..the VA and DoD arent interested
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Anonymous commented
I also think that the compensation department needs to be trained about this very issue. My son-in-law has been waiting on his claim for MS since his formal diagnosis in 2003, four years past the presumptuousness service connection time limit of seven years. However his service record shows signs of the decease during his service.
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linda eberhart commented
You are absolutely correcct in your above comment. I have researched this and found everything you said to be true.
I have multipe sclerosis, (underdiagnosed by va) after serving on the USNS COMFORT HOSPITAL SHIP. We were just off the coast of kuwait in a mine field. we were exposed to the black smoke and whatever other chemicals in the fire. my papaers say exposure to sarin nerve agent. 100 percent diasability. thank the lord. I encourage each and every veteran that has problems to evaluate yourself head to toe,w rite downn every problem (even if you think not related) and go for screening at the clinic set up for desert storm/ shield veterans. Sign your medical power of attorney to the american legion and let them take care of everything except seeing doctor and filing claim. -
janet commented
Contact your Congressman's VA liaison re VA care/treatment. They will do an inquiry. Just contact them online and tell them what's going on. Report those MD's to the State licensing board. You have nothing to lose.
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janet commented
also, gadolinium contrast used for MS and other MRI scans can contribute to the worsening of these conditions. no contrast info on MRI side effects in the Nurse's Drug handbook, Lippincott 2011, none in PDR, but there is CT contrast side effects and a recommendation to Rx NAC pre CT scan. This is never done, those with MS, get freq MRI's with contrast at this metal for the magnet scanners highlights new lesions. Yes, they are keeping this from the public and nurses. It happened to me and I learned quickly what Gadolinium is, rare earth toxic metal, chelated, for renal elimination, but it breaks down, redistributes, throughout all vital organs, eyes, affects balance, gets deep into bones, severe bone pain, fatigue, muscle weakness, appetite, nausea, poor sleep. mimics end stage renal failure as neurological and derm sx, the diagnosis of Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is made via skin biopsy, not serum gad levels. www.mayomedicallaboratories.com will do these tests.
Gad+3 exposure also causes inc food, med allergies, the docs all deny the disease exists, man made, they know it. search it. -
Shaun Orris commented
ALS scares me. More so than cancer.
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karl baker commented
Thank you so much for bringing this issue up. I am a GW vet with MS. I was diagnosed in 01 with MS. I struggled to make it to my 20 yrs so that I could bet a retirememt check for the rest of my life. I was in the first GW examinations in DC ( Walter Reed)...They new what was in store for us then.....why are we not compensated for their error. The Tuskegee study was done from 1932-72. We were guinea pigs ....we had families, lives, and most importatnt we feel like we were doing the right thing for our country. Since retirement I have went down hill fast not being able to walk, or dress myself. I feel like the VA from this follow up has finally been admitted to what our struggle really was. They should send each person with these issues/illness a letter stating that was the cause. Just do the right thing. We did. KB