Do you have an interest in learning more about research relevant to Gulf War Veterans and Gulf War Illnesses? The VA Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses will host a virtual committee meeting January 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.

The committee meets several times per year to share updates with Veterans, physicians, scientists and members of the general public regarding its mission to advise the VA Secretary on ways to improve the health and well-being of Gulf War Veterans. All meetings are free and open to the public.

The meeting will focus on the effects of environmental and military exposures on genetics, epigenetics and Gulf War Veteran health. Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. The public will be invited to submit comments and questions for discussion during the final 30 minutes of the event.

Veterans continue to struggle with symptoms

Though it’s been more than 30 years since Americans deployed in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, many Veterans continue to struggle with a range of symptoms related to their military service. That’s why research into these conditions, also known as Gulf War Illness, is ongoing.

To watch and listen online, you may join using WebEx by clicking here. The meeting number or access code is 2761 607 5692, and the meeting password is GWVets1990! (Enter the code as written, with upper and lowercase letters.)

You may also join by calling toll free at 1-404-397-1596 or 1-833-558-0712. More information is available at Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Home (va.gov).

The Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses is congressionally mandated and part of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).

Its mission is to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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 1990-1991 Gulf War.

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49 Comments

  1. Kenneth.L.Koehler February 3, 2022 at 13:21

    I would like to see some of the graph’s that were put up so I can show my VA doctor some of these and ask is this not what I am in here for! Was this Web Cast recorded so we can watch it again or share it with some that have missed it?

    • Nubia February 23, 2022 at 20:12

      @Kenneth.L.Koehler February 3, 2022 at 1:21 pm – Reply
      I would like to see some of the graph’s that were put up so I can show my VA doctor some of these and ask is this not what I am in here for! Was this Web Cast recorded so we can watch it again or share it with some that have missed it?

      Was there a recording it would be nice if it could be post here as an update…. or as a YouTube upload…. Thank you, this an issue that we would handled in our life-time.

  2. stephen hoffman January 30, 2022 at 01:28

    nothing ever about water contamination in camp leJune .thats are goverment rotten to the core.they delay till you die

    [Editor: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/ ]

  3. Don January 29, 2022 at 20:54

    I know the AVIP was not put in my shot records or anywhere in my medical file. I am assuming we all are in the same boat. I did find a report that mentioned the two shots given to service members but all they would admit to was approx number of people given the shot butt claim they have no records of individual names of those who received them. Covering their ass to ensure of no compensation of side effects, same as Agent Orange. Once enough of us die off the remainder might see compensation, maybe.
    If anyone every mentions universal government healthcare, remind them how the VA deals with us.

  4. David Wilson January 29, 2022 at 19:50

    I am a Gulf War veteran, retired in 2003, currently I have had 2 Sinus Surgeries, I’ve worn out 3 CPAP machines, I live on meds daily to combat pain, attend Physical Therapy 2-3 times a week and I can no longer work a 40 hour a week job. Thank God I copied my medical records on a zerox machine right before I retired!!! Three different commands have claimed my records were lost. Now the VA says they can’t find them either. Here’s another copy Sir……..I get the dumb sheepish look from another person at the that relies on excuses. Get in line. My best advice is to seek out a genuine VA Service Officer. They can guide you on the road to success and victory in the VA Claims battle arena. Straight kicks and Punches, HooAhh!!!

    • KARENA DAWSON February 1, 2022 at 18:30

      How do you find a genuine VA service officer to help

      • Timothy Langion February 16, 2022 at 21:07

        Every county has county Vso’s look up your county veterans service office. And every VA medical center has VSO’S on site.

  5. Victor De La Garza January 27, 2022 at 21:35

    keep me updated Veteran of Desert Storm.

  6. Victor De La Garza January 27, 2022 at 21:33

    keep me updated since I was in the Gulf War Desert Storm. who can I contact for further help. I have chronic rinitis, swelling of my joints knee, hands and elbows constantly. Had to have my gallbladder removed after finding a spot. breathing all the smoke when Iraqis started setting wells on fire all over the Desert. etc.

  7. Mark Anderson January 27, 2022 at 17:06

    In case anyone is still wondering how this works… Simply look at how the Agent Orange illness was handled.

    Number of affected vets
    – x number of years
    = less pay out
    Conclusion: It all(always) comes down to $.

  8. Laura Schmidt January 27, 2022 at 15:43

    How do I ask a question?

    • Laura Schmidt January 27, 2022 at 15:50

      What about those of us on ships? Outside Bahrain, Qatar, and up and down the gulf? Can this be answered before conclusion? USNS Comfort, Hospital Ship.

  9. TODD BLOOM January 27, 2022 at 15:14

    Why does the VA continue to require proof of a diagnosis for “undiagnosed” medical conditions? They are disallowing presumptive GWS symptomatology–in obvious and direct contravention of the law!

    If your service records document/prove that you deployed to the Persian Gulf theater while you were in the military, lay evidence documenting “symptoms that may include but are not limited to: abnormal weight loss, cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, headache, menstrual disorders, neurological and psychological problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, and sleep disturbances” should be adequate to sustain a decision in favor of the veteran.

    VA needs to ‘calibrate’ the individuals who are responsible for deciding cases such as this–it should not require the veteran to seek additional reviews or reconsideration or appeal their case in order for the statutory presumption to be vindicated. For shame!

    • JAY BEAM January 27, 2022 at 15:47

      Thank you for bringing this up. Similar situation here but even more bizarre. After I left the service I was diagnosed with migraines; when I eventually saw it was one of the presumptive conditions I submitted paperwork, I was told I couldn’t get compensation for my migraine because it wasn’t an undiagnosed condition. Are you kidding me?

  10. DANIEL CAPLAN January 27, 2022 at 15:09

    A very close friend and I were stationed on Guam together for 2 yrs working on c-130 weather recon aircraft. He flew with plane as crew chief and made stops in Viet nam. He developed prostate cancer and copd and unfortunately passed away 2 weeks ago. I myself have had an ischemic heart attack, developed myasthenia gravis and copd. Of course the VA won’t acknowledge that agent Orange was ever on Guam despite the fact that Steve Andrews, channal 8 news now retired, has interviewed a veteran named Leroy foster, since deceased, who admitted to spraying agent Orange on Guam. My buddy Bill and fellow workers stationed there 66 and 67 working support aircraft were exposed to any and all environmental herbicides. Drafted, served and forgotten.

  11. Laura Schmidt January 27, 2022 at 15:03

    During this chat, it was mentioned veterans must have symptoms, but doctors look upon us as hypochondriacs and are condescending toward us regarding documentation of these symptoms in our record.

    • JAY BEAM January 27, 2022 at 15:53

      I am plagued with sudden extremely pain in isolated areas throughout my body, when I reserached it and realised it may be fibromyalgia I requested compensation and was ordered to a physical. The “Doctor” spent a total of 5 minutes (maybe) with me, he squeezed my leg and asked me if it hurt, I said “yes, a little” he said, “If it was fibromyalgia it would hurt alot”, done, end of story., claim denied.

  12. Laura Schmidt January 27, 2022 at 14:29

    Love this! Ty. What about those of us on ships? Outside Bahrain, Qatar, and up and down the gulf?
    Also, the VA does not acknowledge Gulf War Illness as an official diagnosis. That confuses me, because all the research and publications refer to this.

  13. Juan Lopez January 27, 2022 at 13:23

    Why is money appropriated from Congress for programs to the VA, when the only people that receive money are these committees and the veteran rarely sees a penny? Stop the bureaucracy. Stop waiting out the veteran hoping that we die.

  14. Troy Cochran January 27, 2022 at 13:20

    I have not been able to file because my medical records were lost or destroyed due to a fire that is what I have been told over the years and with out my records I cannot file

  15. 1SG Daniel J Smith Army Ret January 27, 2022 at 12:22

    Reading these comments brings me to tears thinking of all my brothers and sisters who served and have been thrown off to the side. Sure they gave us a ticker tape parade but that was out of shame for what they did to us Nam Vets, I believe bro’s we have just moved into the same category as Korea, The Forgotten War. Like some of you I have given up with trying to convince VA of my pain and just bear it. I had a claim in for GWS but was denied stating it was because I was old, overweight, and just plain wear and tear. I waited over 4yrs for my appeal in front of a VA judge and am in a holding pattern again since Dec waiting for the verdict. I feel your pains Bros and wish all of you luck and may God be with you, cause the US Gov and VA wont be.

  16. Anne cole January 27, 2022 at 11:51

    I had developed swelling in my fingers of left hand by the time I returned home only left forefinger still swollen. Sought medical care from primary MD but h
    Both have since retired and records not available
    Now have seen md at Va and on Otezla 30 MG twice a day for years.
    I’m I eligible for a benefit I wonder.

    L

    • Colin layne clayne2003@msn.com February 22, 2022 at 16:00

      I am also a dessert storm ?veterans to Saudi in 1990 did 2 to other tours to the desert

      I have pain all over my body the VA doesn’t know whats .

      Going wrong .

  17. Joseph Marinaro January 27, 2022 at 11:50

    I like many Gulf War Vets who were informed by letter tone within a 10k zone where exposure to chemical agents were detected, suffer from reoccurring blood blisters and severe sensory neurological neuropathy, (Loss of feeling to feet and hands) which is now invasive throughout my entire body. In all my 10-15 years being treated by VA, I’ve yet to find a PCM who knows anything on the subject of Gulf War Illness.

  18. Michael T Gerdau January 27, 2022 at 11:40

    I retired from the Marine Corps in 1993. When I retired I signed up for the Burn Pit Registry. I received an email last year to submit a claim. I’ve been suffering from sinus problems for years. Initially, the DAV started a claim for me and told me to get diagnosis. I received referrals from the VA to see outside professionals but none of them diagnosed me with Sinusitis. When I contacted the DAV to let them know of my diagnoses, I was told that I had to have been diagnosed with sinus problems within 10 years after my service in Desert Shield/Storm.

  19. Kevin January 27, 2022 at 11:39

    Yes it is still ongoing, yet the VA continues to deny claims. Completely useless!

  20. John January 27, 2022 at 11:00

    It’s sad in this country when we’ll give someone south of the border a house, education, free medical, food, heat and the many other things we Americans pay dearly for but ignore those who served.

  21. Mark Gill January 27, 2022 at 10:38

    It is supposed to be presumptive. My claim and evaluation did not deny my multiple illnesses, but the VA doctors did not believe in gulf war illness or presumptive finding. It had to be in military record. These symptoms showed up at 40 instead of 70. DVA expert argued that it had to be in military record, the symptom. I asked him to read a paragraph in the law. He would not. So, how do I win an appeal. I don’t know what to do. I retired 10 years early due to Gulf War illness. I need help to figure this out.

  22. Kevin J Clark January 27, 2022 at 08:58

    I serviced in the Gulf War as a Department of Defense civilian employee(GS7).I am also a US Army veteran. I was diagnosed with Gulf war illness. I received no help are compensation from the government. The VA states that they don’t compensation civilian employees for Gulf War illness. Could someone please me some guidance or direction.

  23. Raymond January 27, 2022 at 08:54

    We see commercials on TV every day by actors and actresses to give to there organizations to support the veterans, when is the government going to step up and do their part to keep their promises to the American Veterans’s. We have pharmaceutical company’s that can come up with vaccines in a year for a pandemic but we can’t come up wit answers for Gulf War symptoms after 30 years. Follow the Money.

  24. Joe January 27, 2022 at 05:25

    What has been uncovered about veterans suffering from joint pain as a result of AVIP (Anthrax Vaccinations)?

    • Kevin January 27, 2022 at 21:43

      Is there a way to start a list of veterans who are having extreme joint and muscle pains after being the Uncle Sam Guinea Pigs and having to take the Anthrax Vaccinations, (AVIP as you called it). There should be a registry for this.

  25. Darla Lubcker Davis January 27, 2022 at 00:01

    I am unable to attend this session. Will it be recorded to view at a later time? I have developed MAC (lung disease) so interested in discussions because MAC per say has not been listed as Gulf War Illness.

    • Kenneth.L.Koehler February 3, 2022 at 13:32

      I saw some of it and I to asked the same thing. You can going here and I might show you what you want, it’s all broken down into sections. Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Home (va.gov). Copy and past or go up to the top section of this page and you’ll find it under ” Veterans continue to struggle with symptoms ” about the third line down. Good luck I found what I needed I hope!

  26. M January 26, 2022 at 21:24

    After 30+ years of suffering from the shot that the Gov’t infected me with, am I supposed to believe that something is going to be done about it now?

  27. Thomas Flick January 26, 2022 at 21:16

    I am a Desert Storm Veteran that came back with a number of medical issues that still persist today. However, after registering with the VA when I retired, no one has contacted me to inquire of my condition. I’m not sure how you track Gulf War Illness Syndrome when the veterans affected aren’t contacted for follow-up. I did sign up for the Burn Pit Registry, but haven’t heard anything back. I had a heart attack at age 56, even though I kept in shape and ate well, while not smoking and limiting my drinking. At age 59, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer, which was completely removed. This is not consistant with my family medical history. Is anyone checking Persian Gulf Vets to see what is happening to them medically?

  28. Doc Friese January 26, 2022 at 21:08

    So happy to talk about this as we are also among those who are “forgotten”

  29. Julia price January 26, 2022 at 20:50

    Im a surviving spouse and I believe the children and wives have had medical impacts as well. I would like studies for those of us who have suffered multi medical illneses since then.

  30. William S. Herring January 26, 2022 at 20:35

    Link for Gulf War Ilnesses virtual meeti g January 27???

  31. Victor neal January 26, 2022 at 19:40

    I have always been denied a claim for this and I feel 100% affected every day . I gave up a long time ago , and today all this popped up in my mail.
    Can I resubmit a claim for any of my issues ?

  32. Kevin January 26, 2022 at 19:38

    When are there going to be any talks about terrible health problems acquired after having to take the damned anthrax vaccinations, we had to take, before even going over into the sandbox???

  33. Tom Bouck January 26, 2022 at 19:36

    …and for those who have jobs, maybe next time.
    Can this be recorded for future viewing and/or consider evenings or weekends for these virtual public events.
    Thanks

    • Laura Schmidt January 27, 2022 at 14:34

      I’m assuming that the minutes will be available sometime after this meeting. The email referred to minutes from the September meeting. Hope this helps.

  34. Rodney Knight January 26, 2022 at 19:25

    I’m feeling all types of symptoms but trying to convince the VA that you are hurting….just pain in neck, shoulders and back but I’ve learned to just tolerate the pain.

  35. HARRIS SMALLS January 26, 2022 at 19:23

    Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm Veterans wives/partners and children should be in research also.

    • Laura Schmidt January 27, 2022 at 16:03

      I know this session is almost over. I’d really appreciate a response via email regarding my question about those aboard ship. I was exposed to smoke from oil well fires and particulate matter. We were limited to only 15 minutes outdoors at the peak of these fires. USNS Comfort, Persian Gulf, Bahrain, Qatar.. thank you.

  36. Paul Harvey January 26, 2022 at 18:34

    I would like to know more. Im a AF VET From both

  37. Lynea Mieyal January 26, 2022 at 18:06

    Please keep me updated.

  38. Oscar Ballesteros January 26, 2022 at 17:46

    If it’s presumptive about a gulf war illness and was not file because I didn’t file as an illness but as gulf war illness can I get backpay for chronic rinitis since I was diagnosed back in 2008

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