Govt urged to recognise Gulf War syndrome
Govt urged to recognise Gulf War syndrome
Posted Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:00am AEDT
Updated 10 hours 42 minutes ago
Veterans suffering from Gulf War syndrome are hopeful a new investigation will recognise the illness, giving them access to medical and financial benefits.
The Government's advisory body, the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA), will take at least two years to study the condition to determine whether it can be classified as a disease.
A similar investigation in 2003 found Gulf War syndrome was not a disease, which meant veterans with symptoms ranging from memory loss to fatigue and skin conditions were not entitled to some medical benefits and compensation.
But a recent US Congressional report has concluded it is a real condition, with symptoms ranging from memory and concentration loss to fatigue and skin conditions.
"The evidence in the US study is compelling," said David Jamison from the Defence Force Welfare Association.
"I'd be very very surprised if the RMA came to a different conclusion. If they did, we'd have to really question what they've done.
"It [recognition as a disease] is absolutely necessary because the Gulf War illness is a reality and it's time for the Australian authorities to recognise it as such," he said.
"It will make it much easier for these people to access support from Veteran Affairs."
Thursday, January 15, 2009
From our fellow vets down Under (Australia)
