The VA Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses will hold a committee meeting Sept. 7-8, as well as a Veteran Engagement Session (VES) Sept. 7 for 1990-91 Gulf War Veterans (GWV).
These events will be both virtual and in person at the Sonny Montgomery Room (room 230) at VA, 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20420. A current photo I.D. is required to enter the building. These meetings are free and open to the public.
Veteran Engagement Session (VES)
The VES will occur on Sept. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. ET and is open to 1990-91 Gulf War Veterans, their family members, caregivers and any others interested in research related to the health of 1990-91 Gulf War Veterans.
The focus of the VES is to listen to Gulf War Veterans share their experience with Gulf War Illness (GWI) and to ask them for their input on related questions, such as:
- What health problems concern you most about the 1990-91 Gulf War?
- What treatments have helped you manage your Gulf War health problems?
- What aspect of your GWI most affects your quality of life?
- What helps you most to manage these interferences?
- If you could tell the VA Secretary one thing about being a Gulf War Veteran with GWI, what would it be?
Please join us to share your story.
Committee meeting
The full committee meeting will cover two days, Sept. 7 and 8. The times each day are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. The meeting will focus on available capabilities and resources in exposure assessment and technology, subject matter experts on health consequences of military exposures of 1990-91 Gulf War Veterans and discussion of future committee recommendations.
At the end of day two, there will be 30 minutes reserved for public comments.
Join us to learn about GWI research.
How to join online
Join the Committee Meeting Online Sept. 7:
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET
Meeting password: RACGWVI_Day1
Join by phone (Toll-free): 1-833-558-0712
Meeting number (access code): 2762 359 0372
Join the VES Online Sept. 7:
4 to 7 p.m. ET
Meeting password: RACGWVI_#1
Join by phone (toll-free): 1-833-558-0712
Meeting number (access code): 2762 256 8644
Join the Committee Meeting Online Sept. 8:
9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET
Meeting password: RACGWVI_Day2
Join by phone (toll-free): 1-833-558-0712
Meeting number (access code): 2764 342 8041
Here is more information about these meetings and other GWV-related items. The Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses is a congressionally mandated committee under the VA Federal Advisory Committee Act. It meets several times each year to provide advice and make recommendations to the VA Secretary on proposed research studies, plans and strategies related to understanding and treating the health consequences of military service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the 1990-91 Gulf War.
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Well, its quite obvious after the last week the RAC plans to only occupy
itself with its internal members. Just means nothing will come from them
the next 6 months much like the last 6 months.
Bunch of snobs. Oh yeah, day one of a meeting they perk up. Day 2 they
shut back down. Week after the meeting, silence. This is no doubt the
instructions of the Secretary of VA to help keep our issue silent.
All the while, Fox News finally prints a story where VA is turning away
PACT act cancer claims. How incredibly vile. A year ago I said the PACT act
had huge loop holes in it. Gulf War 1990 vets have very little to gain by it.
Now Im seeing VA plans to reject even the terminal cases. 1 in 3 get a
zero rating. GWI vets like me get a big fat zero. Its all conditional.
But, what concern is this to the RAC members? Comfortable job, dont have
to produce results or publish, just what the Sec of VA Denis McDonough
could ask for. Looks like Deputy Sec Guy Kiyokawa too.
Deception here. Less than empty promises. Why should I be polite about
that? 26 years of these people keeping me at bay that CANT do a better
job. Other than stall, and pretend folks dont write them. Snobs, Hypocrites.
I want results, and Im not interested in hearing how people think they are
doing such a great job. Really? What is your basis for comparison? The
week before. Try 2003 – compared to that year these people really suck.
Till your next federal register notice, press release, and weak agenda that
VA can live with. No urgency. Ignore emails. VA is thrilled with you.
All the while, clock ticks away. Pure contempt and outright deception by
VA with Gulf War vets. Hurry up and die. This committee should be so
embarrassed and its not. Humbled, and its not. Completely ignored all
of my suggestions because that would mean progress. Cant have that.
House and Senate subcommittees – you should be fired. No soup for you!!!
Your pathetic compared to 2003. Not even asking. Sit on your big fat
______ and say “let them eat cake”. Cowards. Yes, you Bernie Sanders.
Thanks for forgetting your past promises.
Im making enemies? You mean Im speaking up to those that spit on me.
You think I was asking for absurd things- like VA walk-in visits. What was I
thinking? How could VA benefit from that? What you should ask is how would
the veterans benefit from that. Then not pay for our ER visits. Been there
already with Tricare.
I know you folks sleep just fine at night. Because, there is nothing there.
Empty black holes devoid of ideas. People with imagination dream, and
they cringe when things go wrong. They feel, reason, and ponder mortality.
Public comments are almost over. Then they can just pretend problem
solved. No more comments? Real problem solvers here.
Unraveling The Gut’s Role In Gulf War Illness
A Texas A&M grad student researches symptoms suffered by soldiers deployed to the Gulf War over two decades ago, including her own mother
.
By Bailey Noah, Texas A&M University Engineering
SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
Growing up, Texas A&M University biomedical engineering doctoral student Claudia Collier understood that a family outing could abruptly end at any moment. The possibility that her mother might suffer from a flare-up loomed, regardless of the event or plan. A flare-up not rooted in a genetic disorder, disease or virus, but rather something that followed her from the time she spent serving her country — Gulf War illness (GWI).
GWI is a chronic, multi-symptomatic disorder that affects over one-third of Gulf War veterans. Those with GWI experience symptoms differently, but common ailments include fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, joint pain, headaches and memory lapses.
Now, more than two decades after her mother’s deployment, Collier dedicates her research to identifying the origin of GWI symptoms. The underlying cause of this condition is unknown but has been linked to various chemical exposures soldiers experienced while deployed during the Gulf War. However, Collier believes Pyridostigmine Bromide (PB), a pretreatment to protect against nerve gas, might be the chemical to blame.
“PB exposure at these high levels causes the colon to move abnormally, and when the colon moves abnormally, it usually causes chronic diarrhea or constipation,” Collier said. “We’ve also seen high levels of neuroinflammation, which stem from an inflammatory response that is not only happening at the time of exposure but is prolonging and sustaining itself, attributing to how we’re still seeing symptoms 20 to 30 years later.”
———————————————————–
The RAC needs to follow Claudia and her work. This is
a inspirational story.
Kirt,
Thanks for forwarding this. Very interesting and promising young investigator. I’ll reach out to them.
Best,
Karen
From: Kirt Love
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 8:09 AM
To: Turner, Marsha J DURVAMC
Cc: Walker, Cheryl ; Block, Karen L.
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Unraveling The Gut’s Role In Gulf War Illness
This person is in Bryan, you should have her speak at the
San Antonio RAC meeting. Quite a story. Over laps with my
own work on PB, but hers is a bit more macroscopic to the
enteric nervous system of the GI tract. Its to help her GWI
mother.
Kirt
Well, it looks like we return to the silence of the lambs here.
The RAC and VA was embarrassed February 2023 by the
Hawaii trip. ( vacation trip for them ) They barely posted the
meeting itself in March after coercion. Then they went deathly
silent till August 2023. Nothing.
This meeting was September 7th and 8th. VA choose the 7th
to post the OIG report claiming Gulf War vets were over paid
$5 million in benefits. Didnt post on the media till the 9th. So
the committee claims. Silent all year till this.
What I have seen the last 2 weeks is largely silence from VA.
That the Sec of VA Denis McDonough, Deputy Secretary Guy
Kiyokawa, VA CMO, RAC members and chairman, even the
vets shut down after the meeting. If anything is happening,
its not a team effort and it certainly wont be public.
I expected that of the Sec of VA. He is blatantly dishonest. He
puts on a public show, but he is a coward when it comes to people
like me. Been almost 2 years of this with him. The RAC committee
put on a show the 7th, then turned inwards on the 8th. They are
no doubt keying off the Sec of VA, probably by request.
The true test will be the silence in the coming months. As VA chose
all this to be static since 2013. Ride us out, let us die. Which is most
certainly happening with my current cardiac care. Its urgent with
PVC’s every hour, and they might see me December 1st. Probably
as a autopsy. So left to my own to figure out why my Vagas nerve
has turned on me. Echo cardiogram was no help. What am I fighting?
VA sure doesnt care. Its not urgent to them. Hasnt been for 2 years
now. Hoping I die any time now. Probably praying for it.
I dont make weird wild recommendations. I ask for realistic doable
concepts within the current dynamic. VA does not want that either.
They want failure, and get out of paying benefits. My ACGWV VA
committee was proof enough of that in 2009.
Its not urgent to people who are comfortable, and enjoy notoriety
without accountability. Sec of VA has the luxury of ignoring those
right in front of him like me. Even enjoys pretending I dont exist.
No publications, no statistical reports, no real treatment options,
no Toxic Exposure Pathology Center for advanced pathology, no
pre post genetic analysis to prove genome alterations, not even
every day VAMC Walkins just to get labs drawn. This is a shut out
and now the RAC can go back to sleep. VA execs to. Sock away
there pay checks, and laugh at veterans suffering like mine right
in front of them. Its just too easy.
Boo hoo hoo, Im so mean for saying this. Go away Kirt. let us enjoy
our lives in DC without your prattle. your nothing to us. Less than
nothing. What makes you think your important enough to address
us. Thats how Im treated here by people NOT doing a better job.
Im not vulgar, I dont cuss, Im polite to people who are dishonest
with me, and have charm when needed. Doesnt matter, apathy rules
this topic and the wealthy used us for economic gain. Now we are
done, go die like the others before us. Atomic vets, project SHAD,
Camp Legune, and so on. The expendables the rich used and then
discarded. My being a combat vet certainly means nothing to them.
26 years of this, much of it waiting for opportunities to speak. Being
polite to people who didnt merit it. Watching them go, and be replaced
by more legacy government personnel holding grudges. So many
duds that only made things worse. Yet, Im still here.
When I die shortly, I want my rotting corpse jammed into the front door
at 810 Vermont street for one day. So that VA could at least recognize
I existed and how I got there. Rather than celebrate my death silently.
How can Veterans like ME! Attend the interaction, when you send this email notice on September 20, weeks after the article came out on September 5? And the date has LONG since past where I could’ve participated!
This is NOT the first time that I’ve seen this on the news.Va.gov!
I AM A GULF WAR VETERAN.
My illnesses are not as severe as many, many others, and I’m waiting for the graders of “Research” to actually result in diminutive answers!
Why is the VA dragging its feet on this? Are you waiting for us to die before realizing that certain illnesses, other than cancers, CAN BE connected back to toxic exposure in many regions of the Persian Gulf: in the field, in the air or in the sea?
I am so livid right now! Check out all the Facebook groups related to Desert Shield/Desert Storm. See how many people have filed claims and been denied. Many of them will die without the help of the VA!
Laura, some of us knew 2 weeks before this posted in the
Federal Register. Because it was nearly 7 weeks out I was
able to order round trip tickets for $329 from Texas.
Still, turn out was very small at the meeting. Oddly, it was
about the same number of us that used to attend these
back in 2002, 2003. Not much has changed. Only the
hard core seasoned folks tend to make these meetings.
Especially the ones in DC. About 6 of us, and then the
rest changes with event.
The call in and chat bar are almost a joke online. To really be
a part of this you need to be there. Cost vary, but its usually
from $700 to $1,000 to be in the room in DC. That is if you team
up with others. Share the cost. I got this trip down to $625 with
help from others.
In fact, this very public affairs notice surfaced on VA Facebook
the last hour of the last day. VA is great about hiding much of this
from the public to stall participation. The less that show, the easier
it is to ignore us. I made issue of the hackers that ambush people
on VA facebook in that hour it posted. Showed it to the committee.
You can be there, you can be on the record, but even then the reaction
wont be what you hoped. This version of the RAC committee is nothing
like the RAC of 2012. When Jim Binns openly opposed VA. Since then
the chairman are “Yes men” towing the VA line. Each Sec of VA has
ignored the committees recommendations for 21 years. Should be
against the law if you ask me.
Its worth attending once in person. Most last once. Very short list have
been there since day 1 like me. Many have died off. 2002 versus 2023
is a hard pill to swallow. You think being there would be enough and
yet they count on you not coming back.
Send a email to “Block, Karen L.” Karen.Block@va.gov with your concerns
or what you want to address to the committee. Realize this is “Research”
so they dont welcome benefits and healthcare questions. Which almost
makes this pointless to. Ask it be included as public comments then.
Good luck with your own efforts. Keep trying. Your not alone even though
right now its sure feels it.
Dear Marsha, RAC, Chairman
After careful review of PL 105-368 and other GWI literature,
I did not find a 2014 cut off date for anything related to us.
Much less publications to Congress under Section 707.
The RACs’ last report to Congress was 2018. 5 years ago. Which
might explain why Congress feels no urgency to follow our current
issues. As neither House or Senate VA committees have shown any
interest in our plight what so ever since 2018. Im sure COVID
played a major part in this.
The ORD website seems pretty clear they have no motivation to
publish anything, much less a annual report to Congress.
One thing Ive stated over sand over, PL 105-368 is very dated.
1998 with no real amendments or hard alterations. This law is
static in every way. But, I dont see cut off dates to any
publications.
The RAC should try to provide a report to Congress for 2023 to
help spark interest in our plight. As part of the outreach clause
of the law that has been long forgottten. Supposed to be by March
each year.
In fact, VA has played down section ( e ) and forgotten its content.
‘‘(e) OUTREACH.—The head of the department or agency designated under
subsection (a) shall ensure that the appropriate departments consult
and coordinate in carrying out an ongoing program to provide
information to those who served in the Southwest Asia theater of
operations during the Persian Gulf War relating to: (1) the health
risks, if any, resulting from any risk factors associated with such
service; and (2) any services or benefits available with respect to
such health risks.’’.
VA is no longer providing information to PGW veterans with any information
related to services and benefits available are per this clause since 2012.
It is in the RAC’s perview and charter.
I dont think a annual report to Conress is asking too much since it
was on the books to begin with. Much less the GWVIS stat report we used
to get or the Persian gulf review newsletter.
Too much has been post, and now its time to rebuild.
Sincerely
Kirt P. Love
Director, DSBR
Former VA ACGWV
————————————————————————————
https://www.research.va.gov/pubs/GulfWarSummary16.cfm
Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Summary, 2016-2018
Download: Annual Summary FY 2016, Appendix B, Appendix C
From the Introduction to the 2016-2018 Gulf War Summary
Section 707 of Public Law (P.L.) 102-585, as amended by section 104 of P.L. 105-368 and section 502 of P.L. 111-163, required that an annual report be submitted to the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees through 2014 on the results, status, and priorities of research activities related to the health consequences of military service in the Gulf War (GW) in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, 1990 and 1991. The Research Subcommittee of the interagency Deployment Health Working Group (DHWG) prepared the Annual Report to Congress on Federally Sponsored Research on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses for 2014, which was the 21st report on Federal research and research activities. This report (2016) and last year’s (2015) follow the general format of the earlier reports but are not required by Congress.
As in previous annual reports to Congress, the material presented is divided into six sections and three appendices.
Section I is an introduction;
Section II summarizes the research priorities and organization of the Federal GW research portfolio;
Section III highlights and summarizes research progress published since the last annual report to Congress;
Section IV summarizes Federal funding trends for GW research during the 10-year period from fiscal year (FY) 2007 through FY 2016;
Section V highlights new research projects and initiatives since the last report;
Section VI contains literature references; and the Appendices contain listings of federally-funded research projects.
When it was 2000, these were the people on both sides that
debated medical treatment. Its one of several IOM report that
I and several others were in. This is the past the current RAC
should revisit. Because its still relevent.
( Note: 3 of us were at this meeting then, and the RAC last week.
Our names are in several NAS volumes )
———————————————————————————-
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10185/chapter/11
( Link to NAS publication ) Gulf War Veterans: Treating Symptoms and Syndromes
COMMITTEE ON IDENTIFYING EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS FOR GULF WAR VETERANS’ HEALTH PROBLEMS
August 14, 2000
WORKSHOP AGENDA
9:00
Welcome and Introduction
Bernard Rosof, MD, Chair
9:15
Treating U.S. Gulf War Veterans—Presentation and Discussion
Stephen Hunt, MD
Ralph Richardson, PhD
10:00
Gulf War Veterans’ Health in the United Kingdom—Presentation and Discussion
Col. John Graham, British Liaison Officer (Gulf Health)
10:30
BREAK
10:45
Irritable Bowel Syndrome—Presentation and Discussion
Howard Spiro, MD
11:30
Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms
Charles Engel, MD
12:15
Concluding Discussion
12:30
LUNCH
1:30–1:40
Introduction—Bernard Rosof, MD, Chair
1:45–1:55
David Berg, MS
Director, Hemex Laboratories, Inc.
2:00–2:10
Janyce E. Brown, BFA
Editor/Publisher, The Surface Report
Page 149
Suggested Citation:”Appendix B: Workshop Summary.” Institute of Medicine. 2001. Gulf War Veterans: Treating Symptoms and Syndromes. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10185.×
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Page 149
2:15–2:25
Edward J. Bryan, veteran
Health Care Liaison, VA-Boston University Advisory Group
2:30–2:40
Kathleen Hannan, MD, Radiologist
Osceola Regional Hospital, Orlando, Florida
2:45–2:55
Edward Hyman, MD, FACP
3:00–3:10
James Johnson, US Army (Ret.)
3:10–3:30
BREAK
3:35–3:45
Kirt Love (Venus Hammack presenting)
Desert Storm Battle Registry
3:50–4:00
Mark Colins Maryan
Gulf War veteran
4:05–4:15
Ruth McGill, MD
4:20–4:30
Kevin G. Messer
Staff Sergeant, USMC Ret.
4:35–4:45
Harold Nelson
Staff Sergeant, US Army
4:50–5:00
Denise Nichols, Vice Chairman
National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition
5:05–5:15
Michael Oldaker
USMC, Ret. Medical
5:20–5:30
Lawrence Plumlee, Co-President
National Coalition for the Chemically Injured
5:35–5:45
Frank Sauer, Sergeant Major
US Army Ret.
5:50–6:00
Steve Smithson, Assistant Director for Veterans’ Affairs and Rehabilitation, American Legion
6:00
Closing Remarks, Dr. Bernard Rosof, Chair
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2001. Gulf War Veterans: Treating Symptoms and Syndromes. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10185.
One of the things Ive learned over the years dealing with the
government and committees, when they say to you “I will pass
this on” – its a blow off.
When I dealt with Government Reform long ago, Rep Christopher
Shays staff never said to me “we will pass this on” because in
reality there is no one to pass it on to. Two chief of staff never
insulted me when it came to our plight. We met, talked, and
debated strategy. It got me in places like Suiteland ( NARA )to dig
for answers. Congressional inquiry opens doors. I had that and more.
I handed a email from Jim Binns to Marsha Turner in which Jim was
quite blunt this committee is NOT open to critique or dialogue. He
had experience to offer from his days on the RAC. Something cut
short by Sec of VA Eric Shinseki in 2012 over internal politics.
Marsha patronized me with sweet talk and that sour phrase “I will
pass this on” which means she wont risk her job or lifestyle to be a
advocate. This is even more true of the chairman and the committee
members. Who were not even there at the CDC in 99 when we all
came together with Bernie Sanders heading into the first RAC meeting.
See, that crowd has been cut off. All of us that were there. We have
been replaced with cliche “Yes men” VA is very happy with, not stirring
the water or bringing back folks that DOD / VA feared and respected.
Those of us that Congress would not dare say “we will pass this on”.
We cant get a foundation started. Get real publications and statistical
reports going once more. DOD serum repository could right now get us
those 1988, 1989 DNA amplified for full sequencing from the HIV serum
samples they cryo store. The pre-post DNA analysis that would show the
damage from 1991. Nothing stopping them as of last week. Ive begged for
this going on 20 years now. So damn close.
These folks want and demand patience from me. Not realizing Ive been
giving 26 years of this while they stiff arm me. I demand results. Its why
Ive been here 26 years. Why they demonized me to keep me at bay. Only
to find me a power house character in 2023. So its time to back peddle
and sell me short. Sell us short. Pass it on.
Im not even unrealistic. This is about complete apathy and sloth. Those
from on high comfortable, and not stirring the waters. The rest of us are
small people that dont matter. Only, this will become even more mutual
soon as NO ONE IS HEARD. A huge mistake is being made. Cutting some
off is soon cutting everyone off. Dont cry when its your turn.
OK, in fairness to the committee I will now take the other side of this.
Marsha Turner did reach out to me during both days, and she has tried
to mediate many points. She was even kind enough to spend a hour on
the phone with me after the meeting to compare notes.
Really, up until this year It had been very singular since 2013. Outreach
was pretty much zero. Committee was only concerned in loyalist. Inner
guild members. So it wasnt freindly at all. Wasnt meant to be.
I stressed today that with them having the inner view, there not getting
the whole picture of our desperation. Took time for me to elaborate
enough examples to make a impression. Much like explaining how bad
it is for those folks at Fort Sill. Lawton OK is kind of where things kicked
off long ago. Daniel Topolski of Khamisiyah fame was all over the networks
like Inside Addition and Extra. Jim and Gena Whitcomb where in Oklahoma
City fighting for there son. The Kansas study with Leah Steele. This whole
region vanished off the map in GWI circles. San Antonio has nothing to do
with any of this compared to smaller regions filled with 10,000+ Gulf war
vets VA walked away from in Lawton.
See, Im the historian of our plight. Ive collected information since 1996 that
almost no one did. Saved it all. Because one day I would have to prove what
I saw around me. Now, Im almost the only proof most of this even happened
from 1998 to 2005. Nearly 85% of those folks are dead or gone. At times I dont
even think it was real. Then I look back at my photos, records, video, and such.
Haunting reminders. Steve Robinson and I were bitter rivals, yet he gave me
internal OSAGWI records, stuff I cant list openly. I never betrayed that. Paul
Lyons, Vic Silvester, Wike Woods, Desert Storm Mom, Joyce Riley, Ross Perot,
Jan Brown, and so many more – gone. I had things all of them handed me over
the years.
Like when the NGWRC lost its Ross Perot TV commercials. He paid a hefty sum
for those. Years later, it was me that had the only copies left. Had used them for
the Atlanta powerpoint presentations. Many things were down to me.
Now I have to bridge the gap and bring the past back to compare notes. To bring
that experience lost back to the table. All of this I expressed to Marsha.
People did reach out to me on the 7th. There were a lot of side bars. Even notes
passed and hallway debates. I wasnt cut off. I didnt get “talk to the hand”. Even
when I got a little over zealous with hand notes the 2nd day. Chairman just looked
and kept it simple. The dinner party afterwards was lively and not segregated in
any obvious way. They should to this more often too. Social outreach.
Im not saying this was a shut out. What Im saying is this has been very singular
for a long time – the committee is too isolated now. Detached.
But, Marsh Turner worked very hard to be a advocate for 2 days. That I respect in
its hard to do. Its something I want the chairman to try harder at. There were
several people in the room that showed compassion both days. This was NOT
the hard liners like 3 years ago.
Its time to compare 21 years of notes, bring people back to address the committee
of what was and how they did it back then. Marry all that up to go forward. Make
the old and new committee symbiotic.
So I did promise Marsha diplomacy on my part. She has her view, and I have mine.
See if this can spill out onto others. If the other committee members can pick up
on this and do similar. get real dialogues going. Harmonious concepts.
As long as its going forward, not a circular argument.
One thing that I might had gotten across to the
committee was I didnt need them any more. I had found
my own answers. The most resent after Covid and then
pneumonia. How body reacted to those, what the recovery
was like, and what came back on me.There is a bacteria
in the GI tract that is harmful that flares up.
At this point I need full blood labs more often only to
monitor my lowest values, and moderate them. Vitamin D
at 4,000 IU is my go to. B12 when the anemia kicks in.
So on and os on. My EGFR told me the Ibuprofen was now
working against me. Regiment had to change. The Lisinopril
was working. Furosemide. Statins. Was refining them.
My own research is enzyme inhibitors, lysosome dysfunction.
Certain enzymes are either out of balance in the lysosomes
or inhibited. Reaction rates are millions of times per second
but lower by 10% to 15%. Enough to effect eddy and convection
currents below the cell membrane. Increases osmotic pressure
as well as decreases permeability. In my case Amylase is way
too low and Lipase took over. Throw in homeothermic drop and
another factors lowering functions. Gradually. Inflammation is
the osmotic increase response of the cell membrane.
As I sped up enzyme functions and regulation over time I
regained so many things. Only to have the new issue of
weight gain due to increases in GI tract responses. As taking
papaya enzyme helped, then pushed lipids way up. That is the
harmful bacteria in action. Lipid dysregulation.
So for now Im learning moderation and regulation of body
functions by supplement and meds. Its not a cure but it makes
me much more functional. Which some committee members
did pick up on. Lucidity being my biggest gain. Numerical recall
and awareness. But, Ive got to get the weight back off to keep
the balance in check.
The genome is damaged. Protein regulation is damaged. These are
physiological issue from external damage. I didnt will this on
myself. Throw in a desert microbe from Iraq that haunts the GI
tract and you have chaos at 15% in the cell walls. Wild lipid
values. Escalates to cardio, vascular elasticity, pulmunary
turbidity, kidney inflammation, Pancreatic inflammation, and
gall bladder dysfunction. All at non lethal levels but progressive.
So, I have answers. They saw that. Ignored it. Then asks the
question why are they here if they wont address this possible
answer? Because I guarantee Vitamin D would help ALL GWI
veterans no matter what the issue. Im 100% certain of it. Even
from a Geriatric standpoint.
Another thing that was equally insulting was on the 7th the VA IOG
posted there findings claiming they over paid Gulf War vet
benefits by $5 million dollars.
It was not mentioned by anyone during this meeting. Not VA
or veteran side. I didnt learn of this till Saturday when it came
out in the military times. Rotten pro government article with
writer bias.
I can tell you now 3.317 is NOT service connecting enough
for there to be payouts, much less over paying that much. Its a
93% rejection rate. This is a total fabrication to demonize
Gulf war vets by DOD force health protection and VA ORD to
cut budget and further continue this legacy government
personnel grudge match from 1995.
Im one of the most out spoken veteran advocates that served
on a federal committee – no part of my service connection is
even related to 3.317. It was useless to me as was the PACT act.
If anything, Sec of VA Denis McDonough walking over to talk
to me Thursday morning might have been due to the Desert
camo hat. Twinge of fear we were there because of the OIG
report that morning. He knew it, and stayed silent as long as
we didnt bring it up. Same with Deputy Sec Guy. Im good, but
I wasnt up on that report that day. Blind sided.
Karen Block knew about the report, and said nothing. She is
part of there VA internal network and there strategy. The VA
employee members of the committee were warned before hand.
It had been silent since February, and suddenly 2 gulf war items
with VA in one week?
If nothing else, VA facebook didnt publish the News.va.gov article
about the RAC meeting till the end of the meeting. Of which I took
the time to point out to the committee how fast the hackers set up
to confuse commentary during the first hour it posted. I showed
them the fake accounts and how they do this. To drive off vets and
such out of spite.
There is so much going on to confuse all this, distract, keep the
focus off progress. All the while DOD serum repository lied about
access to HIV serum samples from 1988, 1989 that they could
amplify the red cell DNA. Because Ive tried to get that released
going on 20 years now. Even Asked Chairman Steinman about it
years ago. The genetic pre-post genome comparison that would
show when we changed after 1991. The finale answer.
Ive been spot on since 2005, and only this week has there been
hints DARPA, and others are about to prove specific DNA damage
to out side forces like chemical weapons. Mr. Darpa agreed with
me at the meeting in a sidebar at the meeting. ( protecting his name ).
These teenage grudge matches need to stop. Making Gulf War vets
seem like opportunist is insulting at best. This is the work of petty
people like Kelly Brix carrying on long seated bias that has hurt vets
more than helped them. The Gulf war vets I know are dying off alone
and in despair. Isolated. Geriatric, Demonized. Destitute. Which is just
what the wealthy want of us now they used us up for economic gain
in a war. The same trick they did to Atomic vets, Project Shad, Agent
Orange, and such. 86% denial rate and wait them out since the 50’s.
What is next? We over paid the Atomic vets?
None of this is fair or right. But, thats current VA leadership for you.
Kirt Love – VA ACGWV
Ive had some time to reflect on this meeting I attended and
one thing really struck out on me. These folks are so counter
culture that they cancel each other out. The lessons of Hawaii
in February still didnt sink in. This meeting was a even bigger
flop in certain ways – mostly turn out. Because I got to speak so
much during the Veteran Engagement session it almost became
a joke. This should have been filled with folks in line to speak
and no room for repeats.
Office of Research and Development has crippled the committee
beyond repair. Most noted, Karen Block saying they didnt have
money for water or refreshments. That was NEVER the issue over
21 years of meetings. It was 99 degrees outside, and you could
not get to bottled water in the building. In the old days you could
walk to the basement and buy it. Now your locked to a room with
a security escort to keep you there at 810 Vermont street. It was
the kindness of certain people in the room and 2 committee members
who brought water for folks like me both days. But, it wasnt a
priority of the committee? They have money to hand out 8×10 prints
to everyone of the Deputy Secretary visiting with them within one
hour but not water in this extreme heat? The room was 77 degrees
and quite uncomfortable.
You had cliches in the room that divided up. There wasnt true unity.
Wildly different view points. Even over relying on the secretary of VA
to act on the committees recommendations. In 21 years, no Sec of VA
has acted on ANY of the RAC’s recommendtaions. Until the chairmen
Jim Binns rallied the members at Congress for hearings and publications.
He did NOT let ORD control him or the others. So ORD ran him off in
2012 and the committee has stagnated since.
I spent much of my time bringing up the past, what lead to today. Telling
them of my committee and what happened to us. That lack of unity was
just what VA needed. Spelling out the fact they need to unite and publish
despite ORD, Policy and Planning, OMB, and such.
When its so divided they no longer care about the comfort of the
vets in the room talking to them, they have lost all perspective.
Even worse, there a hint of bringing the NAS into all this. OMG. Just
when we got them out of the way. National Academy has contractor bias
and will lean in favor of VA. Lets not even got there.
For all there bluster, I had so much to add both days. There was hints
of putting me on the RAC. Maybe as a consultant, but I dont need my
hands tied once more. Being on a committee is punishment at best.
Because VA plays dirty and ties your hands with all manner of legal
options. Ide be going on about healthcare and benefits they claim they
cant address.
This chairman isnt there to rally them. Too passive. Cheryl Walker will
leave the way she came in much like Chairman Steinman. Forgotten.
She hasnt responded to one email of mine since the beginning and
Jim Binns wrote my 6 times the last week.
At least I did get to talk to Sec of VA Denis McDonough, and Deputy
Sec Guy. Not that either will follow up. Both are cowards. Denis might
have put my name, phone number, and email in his cell phone – he
probably deleted it after he left.
They just want to use public tax payer funds to wait us out. Ive been
doing this 26 years and I can tell you – last few days was lack luster
people throwing up walls to protect mediocre careers. Even at the
House and Senate. Until the vets unite to tear down those walls.
Kirt Love – VA ACGWV
I attended this meeting, and managed to briefly talk to
Secretary of VA Denis McDonough out front before the
meeting. The Deputy Sec Guy.
Spoke all I could during the sessions. Was even invited to
dinner the night of the 7th by the committee. The 8th however
wasnt as productive as the 7th.
What really upset me is, Sec of VA Denis McDonough, Deputy
Sec Guy, VA CMO, ORD, and others knew about the IG report
that claimed VA over paid Gulf War vets. Said nothing till after
the meeting so no one could talk about this on the record.
How sneaky and under handed.
First off, I dont know any Gulf War Veterans that got a 3.317
rating. I never did, How can this be over paid? This is a fabrication
to vilify GWI vets. Rejection rate is still 92%.
This is a hint that VA has no intention of honoring one single RAC
recommendation much less updating 3.317 to service connect.
If anything , the PACT act does not service connect GWI unless
your terminal. These dying vets were over paid?
This meeting was a farce, because unless your a committee member
they just dont care or solicit for real. Besides, there not doing what
the 1st gen members did to be heard. VA is fine with that. Im not.
YES I TRIED TO FOR OVER AN HOUR TO SIGN UP FOR THESE GULF WAR RESEARCH MEETING ON LINE AND BY PHONE. AFTER FOLLOWING ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS AND DOWNLOADING WEBEX WITH PASSWORD STILL COULD NOT JOIN MEETING. THE PROCESS IS TO COMPLICATED WHY NOT JUST DO A SIMPLE ZOOM MEETING. IS THERE SOME OTHER WAY TO LISTEN OR VIEW THE MEETINGS LATER ON BOTH DAYS THE 7/8 OF SEPTEMBER
They need to realize the pain and lethargy of GWI is very real. After the Sackler family addicted half the nation to Oxycotin the VA had a knee-jerk reaction and overcompensated by refusing to prescribe any pain relief beyond Ibuprofen. In doing so they are creating even more health problems and seriously lowering veterans’ quality of life. I’ve tacked on weight because my activity levels decreased significantly after they took away my Tramadol. Obesity is just a slow, miserable way to euthanize us. Why do government agencies always go to extremes? The VA went from overprescribing to massively underprescribing. Can you not find a happy middle ground? Is a moderate approach really too much to ask? If you’re unwilling to fix the pain problem then at least work on the lethargy. My doctors have done nothing to combat that issue. Also, address weight loss treatments like lap-bands or medications that work like Ozempic. I’m sick of being told to go exercise when I can hardly get out of bed.
I have had 3 major heart surgeries, yet i m not alone here. Way back in yester year cardio was nixed as being a part of GWI, unless it was of unknown etiology. Cardio illnesses have almost 4000 names that can be given to it. GWI is not one of them. Is this ever going to be looked at again. As far as the PACT act if you smoke or have worked in the construction field you can be denied as I have been for COPD, enphyisima, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. Lets face the realities and stop trying to protect names in history. We did our duties, it is now time for our country to do its duty to the Gulf War veterans!!
I think as history has proven that it will take a little longer for cardio issues to be presumptive for Gulf War Vets. I know as a Vietnam Vet it took me the better part of thirty years to get some satisfaction from the V.A. As for the Pack Act, I was also in the sand box in 90/91 and am waiting for my claim for rhinitis/sinitus to be adjudicated. My experience suggests that this is nothing more than a waiting game and time is not on our side! Good luck.
I had kidney cancer last year and possibly have cancer again but can’t see a doctor at the VA until the 29th of September…why does it take so long to see a doctor at the VA? Cancer is a life or death situation and every hour of everyday that I can’t get seen by a doctor goes in the favor of death. Well if I die the VA will be happy, just one less vet to have to listen to or”take care of”.
My husband was in Saudi Arabia in 1991. He had several heart attacks beginning July 2003 and passed on April 10, 2004. In addition, he had high blood pressure and tested positive for tuberculosis.
I would like to attend multiple sessions at some time. I have a comment/observation (that may have delayed the initial treatment) and question concerning the impact on non-deployed (CONUS-based) personnel.
Will those of us that were separated in the 90s and told we were just imagining things and were denied compensation. Will we get any kind of back pay for all the years of denials. And the VA sending us to mental health and denying our pain levels and many including me in chronic pain which lead us to outburst, and some jail time for their anger and anxiety that was cauused by our chronic pain. some even have criminal records because the VAs denial of our issues
When will there be a section on the “OIF/OEF” Toxic Waste Soldiers? I would love to be apart of it.