WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the largest survey of Gulf War veterans to date, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) investigators have confirmed Gulf veterans are not as healthy as other service members who were not deployed to the region during the war.
The study was based upon health questionnaires sent to 30,000 veterans, half of whom deployed to the Gulf during the war, while the other half were stationed elsewhere.
The study was directed by Dr. Han K. Kang of VAs Environmental Epidemiology Service and published recently in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. It shows that Gulf War veterans are not as healthy as non-deployed service members, as measured by functional impairment, health care utilization, general health perceptions, symptoms, and self-reported medical conditions.
Among the reports major findings:
- Twenty-eight percent of veterans who deployed to the Gulf reported an impairment during the previous two weeks that limited their ability to function. Among those who served elsewhere during the war, the rate was 14 percent.
- More than half the Gulf veterans (51 percent) visited a doctor in the previous year with an illness, compared to 41 percent of the veterans who served elsewhere.
- Only 43 percent of the veterans who served in the Gulf during the war said their health was excellent or very good, compared to 67 percent of veterans who served outside the Gulf.
- Veterans who served in the Gulf reported higher rates of 48 different conditions, including sinusitis (39 percent versus 28 percent), recurrent headache (33 percent versus 15 percent), gastritis (25 percent versus 12 percent), arthritis (23 percent versus 17 percent) and frequent diarrhea (21 percent versus 6 percent).
- Among the Gulf veterans, those who served in the National Guard or reserve units and those who served in the Army consistently reported a higher rate of symptoms.
The latest findings have confirmed those of earlier studies, which found a significantly higher rate of health complaints among Gulf War veterans. Research to date has not found a specific cause for some of the veterans health complaints.
The VA survey consisted of a comprehensive health questionnaire mailed to veterans, followed by telephone interviews and a review of selected medical records. Researchers also asked questions about specific exposures including immunizations; pyridostigmine bromide (PB) pills; smoke from oil well fires; pesticides and insecticides; chemical warfare agents; and other hazards. Smoking and alcohol use were also considered.
Veterans can receive free, specialized Gulf War medical examinations at VA facilities. VA also provides health care for any Gulf War veteran who has a medical problem potentially related to military service. Gulf War veterans may be eligible for disability compensation for illnesses related to Gulf War service.
VA has a toll-free number (1-800-749-8387) to inform veterans about VA programs on Gulf War-era benefits.
Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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