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Health & Fitness

The "Gulf War Registry"

Information that vetrans of the recent Gulf War should be aware of.

There may be many current or prior military service personnel who are aware of this unique outreach program through the Veterans Administration. However, for the reader who is not familiar, information follows.

 The Veterans administration offers a program for military service personnel to register with the VA to be placed within a complied data base that includes the names of veterans with their medical records.  In the event that certain medical conditions or disabilities are found to be related to service in the Gulf regions, veterans who have registered will be notified of these conditions and disabilities and be advised for follow up attention. There is no requirement that specific claims need to be submitted or that a veteran be currently receiving VA benefits. As with previous qualifications- there are specific service periods and location criteria.

 Gulf War Registry requirements are:

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 Service time:   Commencing August 2, 1990 through September 30, 2011.  Registration authorized through December 30, 2016.

 Service and locations: Active duty military, naval or air service during stated time periods above in; Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the “neutral zone” between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirate, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, The Gulf of Aden, The Gulf of Oman, The Persian Gulf, The Arabian Sea, The Red Sea, the  airspace above these locations. (Note: Afghanistan is not included)

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To date, there are rather specific disabilities recongnized as qualifying for current VA medical attention. Those are; An undiagnosed illness, medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses defined by a cluster of signs or symptoms: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, any diagnosed illness determined by VA regulations to warrant presumption of service connection.

 Perhaps the most critically important factor to consider regarding any of this information is for a veteran who served America in the above regions is to simply register. And while registering, for the veteran to follow through with proper medical attention if any of the above symptoms are present.

 Assisting all veterans with these issues and for the most recent regulations and clarifications, are several veteran organizations staffed by Veteran Service Officers who provide information and advice. These service officers are veterans themselves and the best part – these services are free to the veteran.  Two such organizations are the American Legion (312-980- 4266) and the VFW (312 980-4284). Veterans do not need to be members of these organizations to receive any assistance.

 Another factor to be cognizant of- military service to America comes with certain undeniable benefits. As with any employer who provides health insurance in one form or another, Uncle Sam promised such health care to his soldiers, sailors and air men/women.  Any veteran should consider registering for this benefit- especially if that veteran is experiencing any of the above medical problems.

 Later,

chuck bosko

Allons & Airborne !

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