Finally, more than 175,000 Gulf War vets get some validation for their post-war illnesses coined as Gulf War Syndrome.  As a result of a 450-page report from experts, a congressionally-mandated panel has concluded Gulf War Syndrome is real.

Many suffering Gulf War veterans believed their unexplained illnesses were caused by “something” from their Gulf War experience.  But, until now sufferers seeking treatment have been met with an “it’s-all-in-your-head” cynicism.  Common symptoms of the disease shared across the board include memory and concentration problems, persistent headaches, unexplained fatigue and widespread pain.  Some Gulf War vets even experience respiratory symptoms, digestive problems and skin rashes with no “real” explanation for their symptoms.

Early on, the symptoms were treated the same as those of post traumatic stress disorder. And, stress from combat was the commonly-accepted explanation for the widespread illnesses.  

The most extensive report ever on the debilitating, multi-symptom illness was released on Monday.  The report was produced by the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses.  The Committee, comprised of scientists and veterans, was chartered by Congress in part because of complaints that veterans were not receiving adequate care for their Gulf War Syndrome symptoms.

The report concluded that Gulf War Syndrome is caused by exposure to toxic chemicals. The 700,000 US veterans that served in the 1991 conflict were given pesticides, mainly high concentrations of DEET, to guard against sand flies, mosquitoes and other biting pests.

Also, an anti-nerve gas drug, pyridostigmine bromide, or PB, was administered to soldiers in pill form to protect them from enemy warfare.  Both contain neurotoxins and can have serious side effects.

The extensive body of scientific research focuses on the combined use of these pesticides and anti-nerve gas pills and consistently points to neurotoxic exposures during Gulf War deployment.  Ultimately, the report states that because few veterans have recovered or substantially improved with time indicates that Gulf War illness is real.

The 450-page report was presented by Congress to Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Peake.  Peake will now be tasked, along with the Veterans Benefits Administration, in determining what benefits, in addition to the healthcare, sufferers of Gulf War Syndrome may receive. 

Some of the more severe cases of Gulf War Syndrome may fall under the disabled category.  And, there are many benefits associated with veteran disabilities as a result of active military service.  For instance, if Gulf War Syndrome sufferers are determined 10% disabled or greater as a result of their active duty, the funding fee associated with VA home loans may be waived. This is just one of many benefits that may follow as a result of the new findings on Gulf War Syndrome.  

The panel noted that federal funding for Gulf War research had dropped dramatically in recent years and urged 60 million dollars in annual funding for further research — primarily for a cure for the disease.

Veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War served their country in a successful military operation and accomplished their mission in a relatively short time. Unfortunately, more than a quarter of them suffer long-term health consequences as a result.  And, until now, those illnesses were cast aside or misunderstood.

It’s been 17 years since Gulf War vets first complained of chronic multi-symptom illnesses. In 1994, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention first identified the name as Gulf War Syndrome for the unexplained symptoms thousands of returning troops complained of. Today, though there is still no cure, Gulf War Syndrome will be treated as the serious illness that it is.