In 1991, Veterans returning from the Southwest Asia theater of operations began to report patterns of chronic debilitating medical symptoms that typically included some combination of chronic headaches, cognitive difficulties, widespread bodily pain, unexplained fatigue, chronic diarrhea, skin rashes, respiratory problems, and other abnormalities. These symptoms did not correspond easily to recognized categories of diseases and presented a problem for health care diagnoses and treatment procedures, as well as for regional office (RO) decision makers attempting to adjudicate claims for disability compensation. The problem involved an estimated 25 percent of Gulf War Veterans.
One Veteran’s Experience
When I had the honor and privilege of serving with him, Joel was the epitome of what a special operations officer should be—smart, physically and mentally fit, a respected and beloved leader…so it was all the more heartbreaking to learn that he’s now totally debilitated and disabled and at home, overcome by chronic, widespread pain that affects so many of us, and more health issues than he can name.
– Anonymous
This completes the introduction to the course. The first lesson begins on the next page and provides you with an overview of the C&P Gulf War General Medical examination.