Gulf War syndrome haunts vets, nation
 

Gulf War syndrome haunts vets, nation
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 1, 2008


As the Pentagon begins preparations to reduce the U.S. presence in Iraq, a push is under way to mobilize forces to help ailing veterans of our nation's last conflict there.

A panel of scientists and veterans, established by Congress six years ago, recently presented a hefty report on an array of health troubles afflicting roughly one in four veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

The medical problems, often lumped together under the amorphous title "Gulf War syndrome," include memory loss, rashes, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) and brain cancer.

Previous studies have categorized some complaints as psychosomatic or stress-related, while other studies have been unable to draw any conclusions about the causes of so many problems.

The new report points to two specific areas of concern: a drug given to troops to protect them from anticipated nerve-gas attacks and the heavy use of at least 64 pesticides.

The scientists said other factors could be involved, including vaccinations and extended exposure to oil well fires. Other long-suspected causes, including anthrax vaccines and exposure to depleted uranium shells, don't appear to be connected, the panel said.

What's abundantly clear - and has been for close to two decades now - is that an estimated one quarter of the 700,000 veterans of the Gulf War are ailing in one way or another, some for close to two decades now.

Far too many have been unable to get the help they need, and some have been grossly mistreated.

"I've had vets go to the VA and be turned away and told that this is something that doesn't exist," John Schwertfager, vice president of a veterans advocacy group, told the Los Angeles Times.

The Department of Defense's spending to research Gulf War health problems dwindled from $30 million in 2001 to less than $5 million in 2006. The panel appointed by Congress recommends yearly appropriations of $60 million to find causes and treatments.

Our nation has a multitude of needs right now. But Gulf War veterans must be a priority for the new Congress, and - under the circumstances - $60 million is the least Americans can do.



http://hamptonroads.com/2008/11/gulf...ts-vets-nation

VA designates ALS as presumptive compensable illness, by Sentinel veterans columnist
 

VA designates ALS as presumptive compensable illness, by Sentinel veterans columnist Paul Croteau
Published: Sunday, November 30, 2008
In a press release the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cites the association between military Service and later development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS):

“WASHINGTON — Veterans with ALS may receive badly-needed support for themselves and their families after VA announced that ALS will become a presumptively compensable illness for all veterans with 90 days or more of continuously active service in the military.

“Veterans are developing ALS in rates higher than the general population, and it was appropriate to take action,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake said.

“Secretary Peake based his decision primarily on a November 2006 report by the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the association between active-duty service and ALS.

“The report, titled ‘Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Veterans: Review of the Scientific Literature,’ analyzed numerous previous studies on the issue and concluded that ‘there is limited and suggestive evidence of an association between military service and later development of ALS.’

“ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neuromuscular disease that affects about 20,000 to 30,000 people of all races and ethnicities in the United States, is often relentlessly progressive, and is almost always fatal.

“ALS causes degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that leads to muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and spontaneous muscle activity. Currently, the cause of ALS is unknown, and there is no effective treatment.

“The new interim final regulation applies to all applications for benefits received by VA on or after September 23, 2008, or that are pending before VA, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, or the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on that date.

“VA will work to identify and contact veterans with ALS, including those whose claims for ALS were previously denied, through direct mailings and other outreach programs.

“To view the entire regulation published in the Federal Register today, go online to: http://www.federalregister.gov/OFRUp...8-21998_PI.pdf. For more information on VA’s disability compensation program, go online to www.va.gov or contact 1-800-827-1000.”

Enhanced VA mortgage options for vets

In another presse release, the VA announced a new law that may be of potential benefit to those veterans in financial distress:

“Veterans with conventional home loans now have new options for refinancing to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan. These new options are available as a result of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 (PL 110-389), which the President signed into law on October 10, 2008. Veterans in financial distress due to high rate subprime mortgages are potentially the greatest beneficiaries.

“VA has never guaranteed subprime loans. However, as a result of the new law VA can now help many more veterans who currently have subprime loans. The new law makes changes to VA’s home loan refinancing program. Veterans who wish to refinance their subprime or conventional mortgage may now do so for up to 100 percent of the value of the property. These types of loans were previously limited to 90 percent of the value.

“Additionally, Congress raised VA’s maximum loan amount for these types of refinancing loans. Previously, these refinancing loans were capped at $144,000. With the new legislation, such loans may be made up to $729,750 depending on where the property is located. Increasing the loan-to-value ratio and raising the maximum loan amount will allow more qualified veterans to refinance through VA, allowing for savings on interest costs or even potentially avoiding foreclosure.

“Originally set to expire at the end of October, VA’s authority to guarantee Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) and Hybrid ARMs was also extended under this new law through September 30, 2012. Unlike conventional ARMs and hybrid ARMs, VA limits interest rate increases on these loans from year to year, as well as over the life of the loans.

“For more information, or to obtain help from a VA Loan Specialist, veterans may call VA at 1-877-827-3702 or visit www.homeloans.va.gov.”

VA hikes mileage reimbursement

From Armed Forces News:

“The mileage reimbursement rate for travel to medical treatment facilities operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs is now 41.5 cents a mile — up from 28.5 cents. Veterans with service-connected disabilities, who receive pensions, or meet low-income criteria are eligible for the increase, which took effect Nov. 17. The deductibles for certain mileage reimbursements, however, will remain at $7.77 for one-way and $15.54 for round-trip visits, and capped at $46.62 per calendar month. On Jan. 9, these deductibles will drop to $3 for one-way trips, $6 for round drips, and $16 per calendar month. In cases of hardship, the fees may be waived altogether.”

Anonymous mail still not accepted

From Armed Forces News:

“Persons wishing to send gift packages, holiday cards, or letters to ‘Any Service Member’ should refrain from doing so. The bar on such parcels that was put in place in 2001 is still in effect. However, there are still ways to send such donation packages. The Veterans of Foreign Wars will help; interested persons should contact a nearby VFW post in their area. Also, the Red Cross and the Pitney Bowes Corporation have embarked on a joint program that the Defense Department endorses. More information is available on the Web at www.redcross.org/email/saf/index.asp?OID>NewsArticle111208.”

If you can read this, thank a teacher. Since you are reading this in English, thank a veteran.

http://sentinelsource.com/articles/2.../id_333320.txt