DALLAS – Top officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today signed a partnership agreement with leaders of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas for research related to illnesses affecting some veterans of the Gulf War.
“VA’s partnering with this prestigious medical center is great news for veterans,” said Dr. Jonathan B. Perlin, VA’s Under Secretary for Health. “This clear commitment to research will help us explore new ways to provide the best possible care to our veterans.”
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who also attended today’s signing ceremony, sponsored legislation that directed VA to dedicate research funds in the amount of $15 million annually over the next five years toward research on Gulf War-related illnesses.
“Sen. Hutchison’s continued commitment to the problems of Gulf War veterans – and her dedication to a wide range of other VA-related issues – have improved VA’s benefits and programs for all veterans,” Perlin said.
Ailments ranging from fatigue, weakness and respiratory problems to sleep disturbances, skin rashes and persistent headaches are among those reported by veterans who took part in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm at rates significantly higher than those reported by veterans who did not serve in the combat zone.
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