Noteboom The Law Firm

Gulf War Syndrome Research Almost Eliminated by Senate Vote

According to an article in USA Today, many veterans with disabilities related to Gulf War Syndrome are beginning to worry about less money being spent on research for finding the root of the disease and how and if it can be treated or cured.

Sine the Persian Gulf War, millions has been spent to find answers behind the disease. The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) is funded by Congress allocating money in the Department of Defense (DoD) budget specifically for the study of Gulf War Syndrome. If not for that directed earmark of funds, there would be no Gulf War illness research as the DoD stopped funding Gulf War Syndrome research many years ago.

Last month the Senate voted to not include the CDMRP in the 2012 Defense Appropriations Act. After some last-minute lobbying, the White House voted to put another $10 million into the program. The CDMRP has made some considerable and noteworthy steps in treatment for the Syndrome's symptoms. Without further funding, those gains would have become worthless as they will not be able to be built upon.

Approximately 700,000 veterans fought in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. About 25% of those developed symptoms related to what is now known as Gulf War Syndrome.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.