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|                              | **Office of       | ## Wash          |
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| **Department of**            | ### News Release  |                  |
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| **Veterans Affairs**         |                   |                  |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2000

# VA STUDY CONFIRMS HIGHER GULF WAR HEALTH COMPLAINTS

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 VA's 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 report's 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.

- more -

Gulf War Study -- Page Two

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.

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