The Legislative Presentation of the American Legion; Hearing Before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congre (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 2007-01-01 edition. Excerpt: ...can produce long-term adverse health effects in Gulf War veterans. GAO's investigation clearly invalidates DoD's modeling efforts as well as the usefulness of any future efforts, and suggests the number of troops exposed to nerve agents is likely much greater than estimated by DoD, and rhat an increase in brain cancer deaths has been identified as unique among those presumed to be exposed during the demolition at Khamisiyah. The American Legion urges that a presumption of exposure be granted for every service member in the region at the time of the demolition. In 2003, VA and DoD released a study on amyocrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain, brain stem, or the spinal cord. Researchers found that deployed Gulf War veterans are twice as likely as dheir non-deployed counterparts to develop ALS. The Secretary of VA responded to this finding by offering Gulf War ALS cases expeditious adjudication--on a direct service connection basis. However, VA determined that it would be premature at this time to create a regulatory presumption for service connection for Gulf War veterans with ALS. A one-year presumptive period is assigned for this disease, regardless of service area. ALS is characterized by the loss of the ability to speak, swallow, chew and breathe, and muscle weakening to the point of paralysis. Initial onset of the disease varies in time and degree. Symptoms may be mild, or the condition may appear dormant with little or no progression for years. Indicators may be so mild that they may be disregarded or misdiagnosed. Since Gulf War veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS, and symptoms may have delayed manifestation, legislation is needed to...