Thanks to an increase in the Department of Veterans Affairs FY 2006 budget, research for Gulf War-related illnesses is expanding.

The VA's FY 2006 budget allotted $15 million annually for five years to research Gulf War veterans' illnesses allows VA to expand upon 12 research projects announced earlier in 2005.

The additional funding also creates research treatment centers and a pilot program that teams the VA with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas to study Gulf War-related illnesses.

"VA is committed to further investigating the unique health care needs of Gulf War veterans, and the establishment of research centers, including this pilot program, will help the department answer the questions that remain on this important issue," said Nicholson.

Studies have shown Gulf War veterans have reported a variety of ailments, including fatigue, weakness, respiratory problems, sleep disturbances, skin rashes and persistent headaches at rates that significantly surpass those reported by veterans from other eras.

"This new program builds upon VA's history of caring for Gulf War veterans," said Dr. Jonathan Perlin, VA Under Secretary for Health. "This strengthened commitment of research will ensure that we explore new ways to provide the best possible treatments to our veterans."

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