On April 17, the Department of Veterans Affairs and National Institutes of Health launched a collaborative research project investigating Gulf War Illness (GWI). This study aims to obtain a better understanding of GWI to develop definitive diagnostic criteria, testing and potential treatments.
GWI refers to a group of unexplained or ill-defined chronic symptoms in veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. The problems reported from GWI include joint pain, fatigue, rashes, memory issues and digestive problems, with no apparent cause. It afflicts about one-third of the 700,000 U.S. troops who served during these operations.
The causes of the illness have been debated for over three decades. Deputy National Legislative Director Shane Liermann calls the new study significant in potentially outlining more precise guidelines for filing those claims and seeking medical treatment for the illness.
Learn More Online
To learn more about the study or how you can volunteer, visit dav.la/3in.
Find a DAV location
Contact your nearest DAV office. They will help you file a claim and stick with you all through the process, because no veteran should have to go at it alone.
DAV is an organization of veterans helping veterans.
The reasons are as individual as our members. Some join for the fellowship at our more than 1,200 local chapters. Some for the inspiring national events. Others for opportunities to serve their fellow veterans and their families. And many join to continue the fight to support the rights and benefits of all veterans. DAV understands the needs of veterans because we are veterans—1 million strong. We invite you to join our cause.
Sometimes, the difference between a veteran receiving the benefits they’ve earned and going without them starts with someone who takes the time to listen.
When a morning walk brought Marty Patterson into contact with Vietnam veteran Stephen Jameson, it set in motion a chain of events that would change Jameson’s life—and bring his family much-needed peace of mind.
DAV benefits advocate Kirk Patterson discovered that Jameson’s record didn’t reflect the full extent of his combat wounds and toxic exposure. He helped file new claims, ultimately securing benefits that eased the burden on Jameson’s daughter and caregiver, Erin.
It’s a powerful reminder of why DAV’s work matters. Every veteran deserves the benefits they’ve earned, and no veteran or family should have to navigate the process alone.
Who are you walking, running, rolling or riding for? For many DAV 5K participants, this event is about more than completing a course. It’s an opportunity to honor a veteran who made a difference in their life.
If you’re participating in honor of someone special, tell us about them in the comments. ❤️
And if you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to join us in Cincinnati on Nov. 7 or participate virtually from anywhere in the world Nov. 7–11.
One flag is a symbol. Hundreds of flags together create something unforgettable.
This Veterans Day, communities across the country will transform schools, parks, businesses and public spaces into powerful tributes to the men and women who served our nation.
Be part of something meaningful. Whether you choose to host, donate or both, you’re helping honor veterans in a way your community will never forget.
On the final day, returning Patriot Boot Camp alumni explored practical applications for AI and technology, strengthened their Deal Room pitches and put their progress to the test in a pitch competition.
Throughout this special event, veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs revisited the challenges of growing a business, learned from experienced mentors and built on the relationships formed through previous Patriot Boot Camp cohorts.
That's the value of an entrepreneurial community: the opportunity to keep learning, share experiences and access support long after the first cohort ends.
DAVPatriot Boot Camp helps veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs turn their ideas into action. This week was a reminder that the journey doesn't stop when a cohort ends. Sometimes, that's where the next chapter begins.
Thank you to the mentors, presenters and alumni who made this accelerator possible. Here's to what comes next! ...
