VA News Release
Secretary Nicholson: VA Continues Commitment to Gulf
War Vets WASHINGTON (December 13, 2005)
A recent funding increase
for research related to illnesses affecting some veterans of the
Gulf War - and the establishment of research treatment centers
and a pilot program that partners VA with a prominent Texas medical
center in studying such illnesses - drew praise today from Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary R. James Nicholson.
The funding increase for Gulf War illness research,
the new research treatment centers and the creation of the pilot
program at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas
were measures incorporated into the 2006 VA budget by Sen. Kay Bailey
Hutchison (R-Texas). The budget was recently approved by Congress
and signed by President Bush.
"VA is committed to further investigating the
unique health care needs of Gulf War veterans, and the establishment
of research treatment centers, including this pilot program, will
help the department answer the questions that remain on this important
issue," said Nicholson.
Nicholson specifically noted Hutchison's efforts in
establishing the pilot program at the medical center, which is already
conducting leading research on various illnesses affecting veterans
of the Gulf War.
"I applaud the efforts of Congress and Senator
Hutchison, in particular, for her continued commitment to this and
other important veterans' issues," Nicholson added.
"I look forward to working in the future with
the senator, and all members of Congress, to ensure that America's
heroes continue to get the world-class care they have earned and
deserve."
Under the terms of the VA budget for 2006, $15 million
per year for five years has been earmarked for specific research
on Gulf War veterans' illnesses.
"This new program builds upon VA's history of
caring for Gulf War veterans," said Dr. Jonathan Perlin, VA
Under Secretary for Health. "The strengthened commitment of
research will ensure that we explore new ways to provide the best
possible treatments to our veterans."
Ailments ranging from fatigue, weakness and respiratory
problems to sleep disturbances, skin rashes and persistent headaches
are among the illnesses reported by some veterans who took part in
Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Some studies
have shown that these health care problems and other illnesses have
been reported by Gulf War veterans at rates that significantly exceed
those reported by veterans who served in other eras.
The funding earmarked in VA's budget for research on
Gulf War veterans' illnesses allows the department to expand upon
12 research projects it announced earlier this year. Those projects
- which are scheduled to begin in 2006 and will focus on enhancing
understanding and treatment of illness affecting Gulf War veterans
- also pursue the ultimate goal of better addressing any potential
long-term health effects that might be connected with Gulf War-related
exposures.
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