FED: Aust to review finding that Gulf War Syndrome doesn't exist
By Julian Drape14 Jan 2009 4:47 PM
Subject: FED: Aust to review finding that Gulf War Syndrome doesn't exist FED: Aust to review finding that Gulf War Syndrome doesn't exist
CANBERRA, Jan 14 AAP - Veterans have welcomed a decision by Australian authorities to review a 2003 decision which found Gulf War Syndrome didn't exist.
News of the review follows the release late last year of a United State's study which found the first Gulf War illness was a distinct physical condition.
The US study cited two possible causes: a drug, pyridostigmine bromide, given to troops to protect against nerve gas, and pesticides used heavily during the war.
Only a handful of Australian troops served on land during the conflict but an estimated 1,800 served aboard warships in the period 1990-91.
Many were given pyridostigmine bromide.
The Defence Force Welfare Association says the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) review could lead to the 2003 decision being overturned, and easier access to benefits and possibly compensation for veterans.
"It's really good news because up until now the government has denied there was such as thing as the Gulf War Syndrome," association president David Jamison said.
"It was only the release of the US report on the causes of the syndrome that brought it out into the public arena."
Mr Jamison said it was crucial the syndrome was recognised as a disease under the Veterans' Affairs Entitlement Act.
"That means those veterans displaying symptoms of the disease can go to the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) and more easily claim support and benefits," he said.
"Then they can begin treatment."
Formal recognition of the syndrome could also help with compensation claims, he said.
Gulf War Syndrome is a mysterious condition afflicting a significant number of mostly US and UK veterans of the war.
The wide range of symptoms include chronic fatigue, loss of muscle control, headaches, dizziness and loss of balance, memory problems, muscle and joint pain, indigestion, skin problems and shortness of breath.
In 2003, the DVA recognised Australian Gulf War veterans were more likely to report particular symptoms for which they could be treated under compensation arrangements.
But it stopped short of attributing the symptoms to a specific syndrome.
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FED: Aust to review finding that Gulf War Syndrome doesn't exist