| FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What are the dates of the Persian Gulf War? A: Operation Desert Shield began August 1990, Operation Desert Storm began January 1991 and July 1991 troops began rotating from the Gulf region. Congress has not declared an end to the conflict period. The deployments to Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo are covered under the Persian Gulf War period. Q: How many people participated in the Persian Gulf War? A: 697,000 troops deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. 40,000 women served during the Gulf War- the largest military deployment of women in United States history. Q: Are some Gulf War veterans sick? A: Yes. Over 3,500 Gulf War veterans and era veterans from Iowa were interviewed concerning their present health, and those deployed to the Persian Gulf reported a significantly higher prevalence of medical and psychiatric conditions than era veterans not deployed to the Persian Gulf. Depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, cognitive dysfunction, asthma, alcohol abuse, and sexual discomfort were reported at higher rates by those in the Persian Gulf. This study, conducted by Iowa Persian Gulf Study Group, sponsored by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published in JAMA 1997, suggests that Gulf War veterans are likely to suffer poor health at a greater rate than those not deployed to the Persian Gulf. Another study conducted by the CDC in Pennsylvania (1998) involved Air National Guard Units and found similar increases in poor health among deployed Gulf War veterans. However, they did find poor health in a smaller number of the non-deployed as well (15%). The study reports that poor health is not related to the duration, season, duties, or locality of deployment. A study conducted by Simon Wessely et al. investigated UK servicemen's health and found similar results of higher illness in deployed veterans but no increase in death, birth defects or cancers (The Lancet, Volume 353, January 1999). It is important to note most Gulf War veterans are not ill, but are healthy and leading productive lives. Q: What is Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses? A: Thousands of Gulf War veterans are suffering from chronic symptoms of fatigue, joint and muscle pain, headaches, memory loss, respiratory symptoms, GI symptoms and a range of other symptoms now described as Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses not Gulf War Syndrome. The illnesses were once called "Gulf War Syndrome." However, several distinguished review panels including the National Institute of Health, the Institute of Medicine, the Presidential Advisory Committee and the Special Investigative Unit have all concluded that the illnesses observed in Gulf War veterans do not constitute a unique disease. Q: What is the nature of Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses? A: Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses have been described by some as a deadly infectious disease transmittable through casual contact, and by others as a figment of the imagination of a few Gulf War veterans. Clinical, medical and scientific studies, all reviewed by The American Legion, have found that the nature of Gulf War Illnesses is something in between these extreme descriptions. The illnesses were once called "Gulf War Syndrome." However, several distinguished review panels including the National Institute of Health, the Institute of Medicine, the Presidential Advisory Committee and the Special Investigative Unit have all concluded that the illnesses observed in Gulf War veterans does not constitute a unique disease. Q: What caused Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses? A: Unfortunately, there is no one answer to explain the illnesses suffered by veterans. American troops were exposed, or may have been exposed, to many risk factors in the Persian Gulf that may have lead to the illnesses many suffer from today. They include:
The Presidential Advisory Committee found all of the above to be "unlikely causes" of Gulf War Veteran's Illnesses, with the exception of stress. The committee found stress to be "likely" a cause of illnesses. Q: : Does Aspartame (sweetener) have anything to do with Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses? A: The article "World Environmental Conference and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation F.D.A. Issuing for Collusion with Monsanto" has been circulated via hard copy mail and Internet email widely. At first glance the article appears to be factual and quite remarkable without looking further into the subject matter. However, after completing a quick scientific review of current material available, the following observations were made. Unfortunately, the information contained in the article is greatly misleading and false in many aspects. The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation was contacted and they deny participation and knowledge of the "World Environmental Conference". Further, Dr. Squillacote a senior medical advisor for the foundation has issued a response siting the article for causing "inappropriate and unsubstantiated alarm". Dr. Squillacote noted the lack of any scientific materials proving the dangers of aspartame use animals and humans. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aspartame in 1981 through a complete look at over 100 scientific studies concerning its safety. The American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs reviewed the collective research and again, found aspartame to be safe. As well as, the American Diabetic Association concluded the safety in moderate usage of the sweetener. Dr. Spiers (1998, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) completed a thorough study of aspartame and found that there were no neurophysiological, neuropsychological or behavioral functioning problems in humans who were studied taking aspartame. There have not been any scientific studies conducted on human beings that conclude otherwise. There continue to be animal studies, particularly rats, which are looking into the association of aspartame and brain tumors. The American Legion continues to support research in various fields relating to possible exposures to Gulf War veterans. At this time, the safety of aspartame appears sound and medically proven. If research becomes available that concludes otherwise the American Legion will consider the matter carefully. Q: Are Gulf War veterans dying at an unusual rate? A: Yes. A study conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs found that Gulf War veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf, as compared with era veterans who served on active duty during the period but who did not serve in the Gulf, died at a greater rate in the two years after the war from external causes (mainly auto accidents). They did not die at a greater rate from disease-related causes (including cancers and infectious disease). Their risk of death was less than half that expected in the civilian population. The findings are consistent with the postwar death rate of Vietnam veterans. As of November 30, 1998 5,773 Gulf veterans have died from various causes. Q: Are Gulf War veterans being hospitalized for their illnesses? A: Not in general. A study conducted by the Department of Defense compared the hospitalization rate of deployed Gulf War veterans who remained on active duty and were hospitalized at a military hospital within two years after the Gulf War, and an appropriate control group of non-deployed era veterans. There was no significant difference between the rates of hospitalization of the two groups. Q: Is there a higher birth defect rate in Gulf War veteran's children? A: No. Studies to date do not show that service in the Persian Gulf has led to an increased rate of birth defects or pediatric illnesses. Q: How were Gulf War veterans likely exposed to chemical warfare agents? A: U.S. troops destroyed an Iraqi ammunition bunker after the Gulf War that contained munitions filled with sarin and cyclosarin, and they also detected these chemicals on numerous occasions before and during the ground war. These agents are odorless and colorless and belong to a family of chemicals, organophosphates, that are a common ingredient of insecticides used in homes, industry and agriculture. Sarin and cyclosarin, however, are meant to kill humans, not bugs, and are lethal in very small doses. Q: Were there adverse reactions to the chemical warfare agent exposure? A: Symptoms of exposure were not reported by troops near the demolition, or elsewhere in the Gulf (with the exception of one soldier exposed to liquid mustard gas, and who suffered a blister on his arm), even though small amounts can cause immediate symptoms. Existing medical knowledge has so far not shown low level exposure causing chronic illness. A great deal of research is now underway, however, to further explore that possibility. Q: What is pyridostigmine bromide? A: Pyridostigmine bromide (PB) was a nerve agent pre-treatment given to hundreds of thousands of U.S., British and Canadian troops to protect them against nerve agent attack. PB is safely taken by thousands of people every day who suffer from a nervous condition called myasthenia gravis. However, several completed and ongoing studies have suggested that PB may play a role in the illnesses being experienced by some Gulf War veterans today. Several animal studies have shown that PB when taken with some commonly used pesticides becomes toxic and causes nerve damage in animals. Another study found that rodents under severe stress have PB break the blood-brain barrier, something PB does not normally do. A human study has found subtle nerve damage in some Gulf War veterans, and the studys lead researcher has suggested that the combination of PB, pesticides and low levels of chemical warfare agents are to blame. Q: What role does stress play in Gulf War Veterans' Illness? A: Stress has been shown to weaken the human immune system. Chemicals and drugs encountered in the Gulf may have behaved differently because troops in the Gulf were under stress. Stress has been associated with many diseases, from heart disease to cancer. Many studies currently underway are investigating what role the stress encountered in the Persian Gulf now plays in the real, physiological illnesses experienced by many Gulf War veterans. To read more about the relationship between stress and gulf war veteran's illnesses, read our Gulf War Veteran's illness facts. Q: Could Gulf War Veterans' Illness be related to PTSD? A: Thousands of Gulf War veterans suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many have been identified and are receiving treatment from VA or private doctors. But PTSD does not explain the range of illnesses observed in symptomatic Gulf War veterans who do not have a diagnosis. If they had PTSD, their symptoms would not go undiagnosed. Q: If there is no "Gulf War Syndrome" how am I to be compensated for illness suspected from my Gulf service? A: Public Law 103-446 authorized VA to pay compensation to disabled Gulf War veterans with undiagnosed illnesses. The undiagnosed illnesses, which must have become manifest either during service in the Southwest Asia theater or before Jan. 1, 2002, may fall into 13 categories: fatigue; signs or symptoms involving skin; headache; muscle pain; joint pain; neurologic signs or symptoms; neuropsychological signs or symptoms; signs or symptoms involving the respiratory system; sleep disturbances; gastrointestinal signs or symptoms; cardiovascular signs or symptoms; abnormal weight loss; and menstrual disorders. While these categories represent the signs and symptoms frequently noted in VAs experience to date, other signs and symptoms also could qualify for compensation. A disability is considered chronic if it has existed for at least six months. Q: How many Gulf War veterans are receiving compensation for service connected disabilities? A: As of April 15, 2000, the VA is providing 187,294 Gulf War veterans (conflict and theater) with disability benefits and /or compensation for service injuries or illnesses of all types. Q: Has anyone received compensation for "undiagnosed illnesses"? A: Approximately 2,860 (as of April 15,2000) approved claims were filed and granted under undiagnosed illnesses. Q: Is the Anthrax Vaccine Safe? A: FDA approved it in 1970. More than 400,000 people have received the first of the six series vaccination. Most servicepersons have not reported any adverse reactions to the vaccination. Some have. Studies, to date, have reported local reactions (swelling, redness, and soreness at the injection site) affecting approximately 1 in 5 persons of those vaccinated. Systemic reactions are reported in approximately 1 out of 7 recipients (fever, chills, headache, fatigue, etc.). To date their have been numerous hearings on Capital Hill regarding AVIP. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), General Accounting Office, BioPort Manufacturers, the Department of Defense (DoD) and military personnel, have testified. Related information: Committee on Armed Services held a hearing September 1999 Committee on Government Reform held a hearing October 1999 Related Resolutions Gulf War Veterans Illnesses #98 House Committee on Armed Services held a hearing July 2000 Senate Committee on Armed Services held a hearing July 2000 Q: Does the VA offer physicals to Gulf War veterans? A: Public Law 102-585 established VAs Persian Gulf Registry in August 1992. Any Gulf War veteran is eligible for a complete physical examination with basic lab studies, regardless of current health status. If a veteran does not possess health insurance the exam is free. Q: Does DoD offer a physical exam to active duty personnel who were in the Gulf? A: 51,932 active duty Gulf War Veterans have requested participation in DoDs Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Program (CCEP). The CCEP is DoDs equivalent of VAs Persian Gulf Registry. This number includes 14,766 individuals who have requested registration without examination. Q: Who can help me file a claim with the VA? A: American Legion service officers have helped over one out of five disabled Gulf War veterans file a disability claim with VA, and they provide this service free of charge to any veteran. One need not be a member of The American Legion to receive assistance from a Legion service officer. Go to http://www.legion.org/service.htm Q: Who can I talk to regarding my needs or questions? A: The American Legion The American Legion Gulf War Hotline: 1-800-433-3318 [Call for assistance in dealing with VA or DoD] American Legion Homepage: http://www.legion.org/www.legion.org Department of Veterans Affairs VAs Persian Gulf Helpline: 1-800-PGW-VETS Local VA Office: 1-800-827-1000 Persian Gulf Veterans Illnesses Homepage: http://www.legion.org/www.va.gov/health/environ/persgulf.htm Department of Defense DoD CCEP: 1-800-796-9699 DoD incident hotline: 1-800-472-6719 [Call if you witnessed an event in the Gulf that may have led to poor health for you or others] Gulf War Illnesses Homepage: http://www.legion.org/www.gulflink.osd.mil
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