|
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health held an oversight hearing to provide Members an update on scientific research that has been done on Gulf War illnesses. Testimony focused on the incidence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (Lou Gehrig’s disease) among Gulf War veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) research and treatment of Gulf War illnesses.
Charlestonian Brigadier General Thomas Mikolajcik appeared before the committee at the behest of Congressman Henry Brown. In his opening statement, Brown said:
“Numerous studies have shown that individuals who have served in the military have a high propensity towards being diagnosed with ALS. The work of my friend General Mik has brought to my attention the growing number of veterans contracting ALS outside of service during the first Gulf War. His story serves as a testament to the need for leadership at the Federal level towards developing a comprehensive ALS research program and a clear VA/DoD policy ensuring that all veterans with service-connected-ALS receive the attention they deserve. We must step up to the plate and lead federal research into the causes of ALS and how we can better improve treatment for this terrible disease and we must do so now.”
Mikolajcik expressed concern over the decentralized research effort and testified, “The government should be compelled to assume a leadership position for ALS research. Some say that a lot of ALS research has taken place. My response echoes the famous words of President Lyndon Johnson: ‘Research is good, results are better!’”
Mikolajcik proposed a congressionally directed task force to identify a lead federal agency for the research of ALS and a strategic plan to address a comprehensive, forward looking and all inclusive research program for the disease.
Brown concluded “It is our duty to provide our Nation’s veterans with access to the best health care possible. It is necessary for a comprehensive VA/DOD policy to ensure this quality care, and the establishment of a research oversight committee may be the right direction to serve Gulf War veterans and the growing number of veterans with ALS.”
|
