Health Issues - The Problems Faced By Veterans And Their Families

The consequences of the two Gulf conflicts (Gulf War 1 and Gulf War 2) to individual members of the armed forces are unique in respect of the health and psychological issues that have resulted from their time served.

Because of the very real threat of the use of germ and chemical weapons by the opposing forces it was deemed necessary by the MOD to ensure all those deployed or with the potential for deployment, including attached civilians, should receive a cocktail of inoculations to protect them from germ and chemical attacks.

There are a number of issues regarding this policy that have left many individuals in a disadvantaged and vulnerable situation.

• Many of the vaccines employed had had inadequate human testing – the side effects were not fully known
• The delivery of vaccines in experimental doses and via non-prescribed routes e.g. Anthrax and in untested combinations are known to have had serious adverse side effects.
• In Gulf War 1 a choice regarding acceptance of vaccination was not offered and informed consent for vaccination was not sought.
• Records of which inoculations/vaccines each person received are inadequate, difficult to access or have been destroyed
• The effects of accumulated mercury in the individual, from its use as a base to many of these vaccines, are a known health hazard.
• Squalene, though a natural body product, was used artificially as an experimental vaccine adjuvant and created an autoimmune response in some veterans (creating anti-squalene anti-bodies), contributing to/causing the illnesses suffered.
• There is also evidence that some of the problems associated to the vaccination programme may not be confined to the veteran; ‘contamination’ of the veteran’s partner and any subsequent children is being investigated.
• In Gulf War 2 the only changes to the vaccination policy were the use of non mercury based vaccines when possible and sporadic use of informed consent which did allow some choice thus enabling some individuals to refuse vaccination.
• Organophosphate (OPs) insecticides/pesticides purchased in the Gulf and used within living, eating and washing areas at the military camps were found to have been used in incorrect concentrations and were banned substances in the UK. Organophoshates have persistent neurotoxic effects.

In addition Veterans often suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of their experiences, exhibiting a range of symptoms that interfere with their capacities to conduct and enjoy normal life; suicidal tendencies are high.

Lastly, exposure to and contamination by depleted uranium (used in munitions) can result in chromosomal damage that can lead to the development of cancer in some individuals; or the chromosomal damage may be passed on to their children, born after this exposure, which can lead to deformity or other health and behavioural issues.

None of the above conditions/problems are mutually exclusive and therefore any veteran may be suffering as result of one, all or a combination of the above. There appears to be no time limit in which symptoms and problems associated to the above may appear in an individual and therefore any veteran has the potential to be adversely affected at any time in the future. It is also becoming evident that increasing age of veterans has an adverse effect upon the incidence and speed of progression of these illnesses.

With inaccurate vaccination records and poor access to military vaccination/medical records and because of the unknown elements, i.e. side effects, of how the vaccinations were used, many veterans are unable to access appropriate medical care. There is poor definition and understanding of the illnesses they are suffering from and a limited knowledge base within the civilian (and military) healthcare community regarding these problems.

Receipt of a war pension or the percentage of war pension received relies upon the evidence regarding vaccinations and illnesses suffered as related to their gulf service; the receipt of a war pension can also influence and be influenced by the receipt of other benefits.

The veterans have a number of issues with central government and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) regarding the consequences of their service in the Gulf but have met considerable resistance regarding responsibility, accountability and liability from these bodies. The NGVFA feel that they have a significant role to play in increasing the public’s awareness of these issues and in lobbying the government to gain recognition of the problems and illnesses suffered by veterans and obtain suitable compensation for veterans and their families. This role is highlighted by the NGVFA’s participation in media opportunities and most significantly their high profile involvement in the recent Independent Inquiry into Gulf War Illnesses headed by the Rt Hon Lord Lloyd of Berwick; the final report was published on 17th November 2004. Click here to access the web site for the enquiry

As a result of the veterans’ illnesses and war experiences their relationships with families and friends are often put under extreme pressure. These families and friends are coping daily with the veteran’s physical and psychological problems, often compounded by financial difficulties and a lack of support and understanding from statutory agencies. In addition the partners and children in these families may have their own health issues as a result of the veteran’s service. It is also recognised in all the literature and government policy that being a carer is stressful, tiring, isolating and often unrewarding.

The children in such families, apart from potential health problems often suffer from the stress as a result of the changes in family life and the breakdown of their parents’ relationship. It is also recognised that these children are often bullied at school as a result of their parents’ health and financial situation. These children may also be the primary carer for their veteran parent.

We have produced a number of factsheets for our members, relating to Gulf War illnesses and the practical things you can do to cope. These factsheets are only available to NGVFA Members
Click here for the list of factsheets

If any of these issues are affecting you, or you would just like to discuss them further, please contact us.