UTSW Medical Contract for Gulf War Illness Canceled by VA

As a doctor, I committed myself many years ago to helping others through medicine. Research for undiagnosed or unknown illnesses is a critical part of providing care to patients.

So I was disappointed to hear that the Veterans Administration has decided to terminate its contract with the UT Southwestern Medical Center conducting research on Gulf War Syndrome.  An estimated 175,000 to 210,000 veterans of the Persian Gulf War suffer multiple chronic symptoms that are considered to fall under the definition of Gulf War syndrome, according to the VA’s own research.

These dedicated Americans depend on the vital research being led by Dr. Robert Haley and his staff at UT Southwestern.  Their work has advanced not only medicine’s understanding of Gulf War syndrome, but also holds the promise to benefit research for ailments suffered by non-veterans, including chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

I was pleased when in 2006, UT Southwestern and the VA established a dedicated collaborative Gulf War illness research initiative. When we are this close to major medical breakthroughs on Gulf War syndrome, our course should not be diverted.

I have asked the VA to reconsider canceling the funding for Dr. Haley’s breakthrough research, and I am hopeful they will carefully consider my request.

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Flower Mound