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Hello this is Smokey from the AGWVA B/B w/ the personal stories you 

were requesting. I have no problem w/ anyone asking questions about this story. You may feel free to reveal my web page or e-mail address to any who would scrutinize this story or your work.

For me, the story begins w/ being attached to the 101st Air Assault Div. 1st BDE 2/327 inf. Right after the invasion of Kuwait the division went into action. Preparing for deployment. Part of this prep was being vaccinated for overseas duty. I received numerous shots that day just like in basic and before deployment to Panama. This time 2 new ones were added to the mix, Anthrax & Botulism Toxin. Around the end of Aug 91 we were in country and as best I can remember all was going well. Soon after arrival we were issued the PB tabs w/ instruction from our squad leader that he would hold formation after every meal and supervise everyone taking his or her PBs as ordered. I made it through the conflict and came home. I can't recall when I started noticing something wrong.  Others noticed my change before me.  Shortly after my return, I was reassigned from my inf. unit to the NCO academy as an instructor. This was due to my illness and not being able to adjust. Kind of a friendly light duty gesture from my CO at the time. I finished out my 4 yr tour there. But not without incident. My health was deteriorating. I was removed from field exercises twice by ambulance when I went to the medic w/ my complaints. They were having a hard time locating a pulse and my blood pressure was nowhere to be found until I got to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and hooked up to a heart machine. I knew something wasn't right but what had started out as flu or cold had become more serious. I left the service in '93 after only 4yrs in. (I went in thinking of it of as a career) Prior to my discharge during one of the out processing meetings. I was asked if I wanted to file a claim w/ the VA. Being advised they would take care of any follow on care I required.  I agreed and filed my claim. In it I listed the following as my symptoms. 1stomach condition, 2chronic fatigue syndrome w/ dizziness & memory loss, 3lung condition, 4nervous condition, 5back pain,  6residuals of a fractured finger. I turned in this paper work and was discharged about a month later in Dec. I arrived home and found work w/ the USDA Forest Service in April that yr.  I still wasn't doing good but needed to work to support my family. It was tough back then. I was having trouble keeping anything down. Other times I would have a mouth so watery that you either bent over and let it run out like a faucet, or swallowed and saw it all at once later. I would get cramps and muscular spasms, watery eyes and headaches from hell. It wouldn't happen everyday but about 4 times a week. I was waiting to hear back from the VA papers I had put in. All I ever got for that whole year from the VA was " We are having trouble locating your service records".  Then eventually in mid 94 they made a decision. Out of all the listed complaints all but one was considered "not well grounded" Because the Army would not release my records to the VA. The one approved, the finger I broke while carrying a dragon missile for a friend. The rating was 0% for the entire muscle skeletal system. I took this news very hard. So hard I was becoming violent and near homicidal toward them. They had just called me a liar basically. I never appealed their decision. I didn't know how. All I knew was the people, who were supposed to help, left me to die. So with no med insurance from my gov't job (Because I was only a seasonal firefighter.) and no help from the VA. I suffered through the next 4 yrs. constantly contemplating suicide or at least leaving my family to spare them the pain of having to tend to my needs. (I spent a lot of nights w/ a trashcan next to my bed to vomit in every night.)  Things were so tight I had to choose between going to a doctor or letting the family go hungry. It wasn't till late 94 after that denial that I first heard of Gulf War Syndrome. 

In 98 I had met a few other local vets. All of whom were Vietnam

Veterans. We talked and I explained my situation. They sincerely tried

to help but the VA was not budging saying I missed the appeal and had 

no new evidence. But like last time all was not lost. They gave me a "not well grounded" on all the items I had claimed but granted me 10% for something I didn't claim and never mentioned out of embarrassment. That was Irritable Bowel Syndrome. About this time I had caught wind of the Persian Gulf Registry exam. I signed up and things started happening for me. They were beginning to recognize my illness for what it was. Multi symptomatic. The exam took only 3 months. I had appt's almost daily. I ended up w/ some diagnosis that made sense. They include PTSD, which was the nervous condition I applied for originally (I didn't know what to call it then).  Also a motor tremor, severe hypothyroid problem, Acid reflux disease w/ Barrettes Esophagus. An Inguinal hernia, a bulging C-5 & 6 vertebrae in my back. It wasn't till after that exam and on my 3rd claim for the same conditions over again that I received a Service Connection, but only for the PTSD.  Everything else they deny. 

I'm starting to loose my focus, and need a break. I hope this helps

explain to others what is going on. If I can ever be of any assistance, please let me know. I don't think I said all I wanted too, but only what I can remember at this time. I know I'm not the only one suffering, and as sick as it sounds it's a relief for me to know I'm not alone in this struggle.

Sgt. Smith Robert D.

A Co.2/327 infantry

1st BDE. 101st Abn. Div.

1989-93    

Pamela’s Husband
Hope I'm not too late:

My husband joined the US army in February 1970.  He served in Vietnam 1971-1972 with B 159th Aviation and 362nd Aviation Co. attached to the 229th attached to the 1st Cav. and the Persian Gulf August-September '90-101st Airborne Division.  He was on profile for a back disability while sent over to Saudi and was evac'd back about a month later because of it.   He never should have been deployed in the first place.  He recalls MOPP 4's many times during this one month of service in Saudi.  They slept in tents on the concrete airfield in sleeping bags.   He remembers that he had dehydrated and the company chaplain had difficulty in arousing him.  Back state side he was in charge of HHC and handled baggage of other returning soldiers after the war.  He retired honorably in November 1991.

Presumed service connected disabilities at time of discharge:  Cervical spine strain, migraine headaches, lumbar strain, and dysthimia.

The lumbar disks were herniated with osteophytes, neural foraminal narrowing and documented in 1989 SMR CT report in the claim file, but they only gave him 10% for a "strain” He was on profile for Sciatica, and bilateral Radiculapathy (nerve involvement from the disks) the whole last year of his service but he didn't have a problem on the day of his VA C & P, so they gave him "strain" 10%.  They never ordered MRI.   Treated at that VA facility for 9 years.  2000 the new VAMC finally ordered an MRI after he fell down the basement stairs backwards onto the concrete due to a side effect of a VA psychotropic medication, which caused him to lose the loss of use of his legs.   Has had chronic radiculopathy (nerve pain) in both thighs but they say they can see no reason for it.  New VAMC only recognize one lumbar disk and never investigates the c-spine.   Completes EMG on the wrong side (as it was ordered) and reports negative findings.   When brought to their attention they repeat it this time on the PROPER SIDE-they do a "limited" study and again report it as normal.   EMG testers were inexperienced interns and inflicted undue pain.  EMG was repeated via civilian Dr. (A board certified neurologist) and positive findings were found.   2002 comp still says its just a strain and raises him to 40%.   (Claim for increase et al filed 1999-3 years earlier).

C-spine.  Injured in in-service auto accident, whiplash injury.  1991 C-spine exam shows loss of normal cervical lordosis et al, but no problem found with the disks.   Got a copy of the 1991 VA x-ray film.  2002 got a civilian MRI.  MRI found two herniated disks causing MARKED flattening of the spinal cord-compared to 1991 X-ray-NO CHANGE.  2002 Comp maintains 10% cervical strain.

Migraines:  Have increased in frequency and severity.  2002 raised to 40%-should be 60%.

Dysthimia:  Is purportedly a "temporary" condition per VA.  Have outside MD and an expert PhD witness for SSA and VA state that this is NOT dysthimia, but is PTSD-related to combat in Vietnam.  But the VAMC doctor's say it is "anxiety-related" disorder and NOT PTSD.   Have a signed statement from the CO of the unit served in Vietnam.   Filed a complaint with OIG for failure to diagnose & treat PTSD.  Records documenting the disorder are in the VAMC medical record, but the Director fails to inform OIG during the investigation and OIG conveniently overlooks it.   Case closed no merit.   (OIG had the information from us).   VAMC wants to use psychotropic drugs and "anger management classes".    Receiving treatment via civilian PhD for PTSD was approved for SS disabili yes">   "Pamela Hassett" <pamela1@ameritech.net> 

Michelle and Brian

My name is Michelle Harvey, my husband is Brian and he is the vet.  First, some of the paperwork nightmares.  The DoD has him listed that he was in General Swartzcoff's unit (I don't know how to spell his name- sorry), which means, they think he had hot meals running water and nice hot showers!  What a joke.  My husband was transferred several times while he was over there.  Since coming back his memory is shot and he can't even remember what unit he served in.  So, the gov't thinks he was in the headquarters and that does not help with our claim.  We have been fighting since about 1993-1994 to get benefits for him.  The VA hospital has treated him very poorly.  When he presented for his registry and C&P exam he complained of the following (taken from the original list he brought with him):  blurred vision, balance problems, dizziness, headaches every day migraines at least 3-4 times a week, nausea, stomach problems, diarrhea (Up to 6+ times a day), sharp pains in both legs and arms, numbness and tingling both hands and fingers with the right being greater than the left, very fatigued and no energy, poor memory, difficulty controlling temper, difficulty performing tasks and concentrating, easily frustrated, no appetite, occasional skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fevers, and complete personality change- very isolated and antisocial when before he didn't know a stranger.    What did the VA hospital do for him... an x-ray of his skull- not a MRI just an x-ray.  They tried him on Midrin, Cafergot, Verapamil, Nortriptyline, Trilisate, Ibuprofen, Citrucil, Naproxen, Claritin, and Fioricet etc etc etc.  They only seemed to want to try drugs, no wonder there are so many drug addicted veterans- they don't want to treat the underlying causes.  Needless to say, nothing worked.  We refused to return to the VA hospital for substandard care after that.  We went into the private sector with our own insurance and at first met just as much resistance.  We were treated as if my husband just wanted to scam money from the gov't.  Like he was a worthless piece of crap.       
This is just a portion of what one neurologist in Indiana said about my husband:  his name was Charles Rehn. 
" Although Brian Harvey would like to blame all of his symptoms on the Gulf War, I think most of his symptoms have a psychosomatic origin."   "He probably does have migraine without aura, but I would be hesitant to blame it on the Gulf War."
This jerk went on to state how Brian became defensive!  Of course, he had been treated terrible already and it was hard to get him to go back to a doctor and when he did, see how he was treated once again.  There was a large time period in which he didn't return to doctors which also hurt our claim- the VA assumed since he didn't go to the doctor he hadn't been sick.  The truth was no one believed in my husband and treated him like a nut case.  He refused to return to anyone who didn't believe or validate that he might in fact have actual problems with his health.
He has had tons of blood work done, his stool has been check for C-diff, and every known parasite etc, he has had two EMG's, and when he started having chest pains, he got an EKG, treadmill, halter monitor and I think ECHO done.  When someone finally listened to me and ordered a MRI shock shock they found a brain tumor.  He participated in a Gulf War research project at the Cincinnati, VA hospital (briefly) They found cardiac arrhythmia's (multiple PVC's bigeminy and trigeminy) He quit the study when he was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and the VA here denied our claim because he was no longer an undiagnosed illness.  We have sent so many medical records to the VA for his claim and had so many family member write how he has changed it's unreal.  We've appealed and appealed, we've written congressmen and senators.  We've testified in some hearing about his illnesses.  He finally has received 30% for diarrhea that he has had every day since the Gulf.  He no longer has normal functioning bowels.  On bad days when he has numerous bouts he has to use a bucket in the back of his work truck to "bag" one because he can't make it to a bathroom.  We've lost our modesty by now so excuse my harsh way of describing our situations!  LOL.  He got 10% service connection for his brain tumor and removal.  He hasn't received anything for nerve damage in his extremities, fatigue or the residuals from his surgery.  His scar goes from his forehead all the way around and down the side of his head and stops at the end of his earlobe, it is painful at times and numb on the top of his head, he has permanent vision damage in his right eye and memory problems.  Since it wasn't caught early enough he has to be followed closely for the rest of his life.  He has to get MRI's a lot and he's had tons of CT scans.  He is on Dilantin forever now, due to leg pains- he was on it to prevent seizures and a good side effect was that it helped with the daily sharp pains he got in his legs.  He still has bad days where he has a little limp but the horrible pains that would cause him to not be able to sleep have gotten better.  Since surgery his anger and terrible changes in his personality have gotten better.  He no longer throws dressers over and breaks things like he did.  He no longer would forget our daughter was in the bathtub, which he did do when she was about 2 years old!  He also left her in our home when he went to a gas station.  I was asleep in the basement at the time because I worked night shift.  He has gotten most of his judgment back after surgery, which is wonderful.  I used to sit up and listen to him breathe before.  I was so sure some nights that he wasn't going to take that next breath.  I used to listen to his heart and the way it skipped beats and had such funky rhythms.  I would hold him and rub his head when all he could do was lay there and rock from the pain.  I was there when he had diarrhea so bad there was blood in it, or when he would throw up blood.  I was there when he was such a nasty person that no one wanted to be around him.  I was there when no one cared about veterans and I'm still here.  I am taking care of my sick husband not the gov’t.  We now get monthly compensation but not near enough for what he goes through.  The VA asks what % of your life the illnesses affect you.  What a silly question.  All the vets are affected 100%- I just grieve over the men and women they could have been. And for all the sick people out there that don't have support or anyone caring for them. 
I know this is getting long!  We have a daughter, too.  She was born August 1995.  I have been trying to get her on the registry for children and spouses since 1999.  I have called the beginning of 99, 12/17/99, 10/18/00, 3/5/01, 12/7/01 and probably more times that I haven't documented.  As of May 02 no word yet!  As for her health, the pregnancy was uneventful but she has so many allergies.  She gets rashes for no reason.  She is allergic to chocolate, meat- all meat even fish, broth anything, Penicillin, amoxil, zithromax, ceclor, augmentin and she used to be lactose intolerant.  When she has too many milk products she has problems but we limit her.  Her allergies were so bad that her school had a mold problem that affected her so badly that we are now home schooling her.  Not what I had planned but when she was on clarinex, singular and they wanted her on allergy shots in order to breathe I couldn't let her stay there.  We have to watch everything she eats, if she has stuffing that has turkey broth in it she will have such terrible stomach cramps and pains and diarrhea it is awful to watch.  She is 6 and calls it "splatter poop".  So, my child can't have chocolate chip cookies, a hot dog or any normal food.  We have to get her "fake" corn dogs and chicken, all soy protein.  It's expensive shopping for her. 
As for me, I've always been extremely healthy until being around Brian.  I never believed that this illness could be passed to me.  I understood about my daughter but not me.  I still have a hard time believing it, but, since 1994, I am no longer able to eat any meat products either.  Same response at my daughter and Brian can't have red meat.  I always ate meat, loved it.  It never made me ill.  I loved my BBQ ribs and steak.  Now, only the slightest juice from meat dripped on my food leaves me sick for days.  I began getting ovarian cysts that when some ruptured the first time I went the ER thinking my appendix burst.  I get weird rashes and still have female problems.  We desperately want another child but we're scared of what will be wrong with it.  We are still thinking about it and weighing the risks.  My OBGYN seems to think IF we can get pregnant it will be okay.  He is leery but I would be followed up very closely.  It is strange how much more consideration Brian gets now that he actually has something to validate some of his symptoms.  Since he had a brain tumor and it was removed and the VA service connected him for it, it carries some weight.  Plus, they know better than to say something to me.  I've given many a person quite the earful for saying anything about GW vets. 
I have a folder at home with 18 responses from various senators and congressmen, which isn't even close to the number of letters I've sent out. Some were worthless and my DAV rep even said don't send to them.   He said all it does is tie up the claim and they carry no weight.  They just pull the claim send a stupid form letter to the members and delay the process. 
As if that weren't enough the last slap in the face is that the veterans were promised a medal called the AAM?  Anyway, the story told to my husband was Clinton just took office and he needed to sign or do something in order for the vets to receive the AAM and he still hasn't received anything.  Shock shock.
I probably have much much more but I can't think of anything right now- I'm fried.  Too much information.  Right now I am sitting here with 5 large yellow envelopes on the computer bursting at the seams with papers about Brian and his claims and medical records.  I will send this to some other vets.  I posted about Brian's tumor on the message board years ago and I wish I would've kept the emails I received.  I have had so many email me about sons/ husbands etc dying from brain tumors it's so sad.  If you need more information please email me I would be happy to talk to whomever or write whatever I need to in order to get us heard.  The GW vets need a voice.  Now is a good time to speak up while everyone wants to be patriotic.  Thanks for trying.  Michelle       

Mark A.
Tink

Sorry it took me some time. I hope this helps. Please read it and correct it if it needs it.

Mark A