Row over Gulf War assessment

Some veterans have reported illness

Three-quarters of British Gulf War veterans assessed under a special medical programme were judged as well, a study has found.

This report is a load of rubbish

Tony Flint

However, veterans have dismissed the report, published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, as "a load of rubbish".

Researchers rated 2,252 out of 3,000 veterans assessed as well, with 303 symptom-free.

They found that veterans who were unwell were most likely to show symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

But found nothing to substantiate claims that active service had led to unusual health problems or patterns of disease that could be dubbed as Gulf War syndrome.

Their report concluded that the physical and social disability found among veterans was "generally not severe".

Many had symptoms similar to those experienced by patients seen in general practice and NHS hospitals.

It added: "There has been no altered pattern of health concerns among veterans presenting to our unit over time, indicating there is no late development of unusual or novel post-Gulf conflict health problems."

No trust

Tony Flint, former chairman of the National Gulf Veterans and Families Association, said his members had no trust in the Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme.

"Over the years we have found out that some of the tests done by them when repeated by local NHS within a day or two give a different result.

"In our association we have over 2,500 ill members plus over 100 ill children.

"Therefore just looking at our medical proformas any lay person will see that this report is a load of rubbish and I would like to challenge the author of this report to face me or any other veteran publicly to justify what he is saying."

Elizabeth Sigmund, of the Gulf Syndrome Study Group, described the reports findings as "very convenient" for the government and accused ministers of being "terrified" of compensating those who claim to be suffering from the illness.

Three thousand British veterans of the conflict - 5.6% of the deployed force - attended the GVMAP between 1993 and 2001.

Findings from the first 2,000 patients have already been reported, but the latest paper summarises findings from all 3,000.

The findings were welcomed by veterans minister Dr Lewis Moonie.

He said: "Appropriate research into Gulf veterans' illnesses continues to be a high priority for the Ministry of Defence.

"Based on satisfaction surveys, the service provided by the Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment is well regarded by patients. It will continue for as long as necessary."